Temple Health is urging long-time smokers and former smokers to undergo annual lung cancer screenings. In addition to low-dose CT scans, which are a quick and easy test, they are also offering a lung function test to screen for COPD. Eligible adults over the age of 50 who have smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 20 years, as well as heavy smokers who quit within the past 15 years, can take advantage of these screenings. The CT scans, which are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, provide a comprehensive view of the internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and coronary artery.
Melissa Liverpool, a nurse navigator with the Temple Healthy Chest Initiative, emphasizes the importance of regular lung cancer screenings. She notes that only about 6% of eligible smokers and former smokers actually get screened on an annual basis. By comparing scans from previous years, doctors can detect any changes or abnormalities in the lungs and other internal organs. Aside from detecting lung cancer, these CT scans can also pick up other health issues such as thyroid nodules and osteoporosis.
To encourage more people to participate in yearly screenings, Temple Health provides education and support to patients. This includes reminder calls, letters, and even text messages. Liverpool is optimistic that with increased participation, they can detect and treat lung cancer and other conditions at earlier stages. Ultimately, their goal is to make lung cancer screening as routine and accessible as other forms of cancer screening like breast and cervical exams.
In conclusion, Temple Health is encouraging long-time smokers and former smokers to undergo annual lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans and lung function tests. These tests provide a comprehensive view of internal organs including the liver, gallbladder