Low Dose CT: Preventive screening of smokers with innovative low-dose CT
What is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)?
It is the only screening test that refers to lung cancer (LC), that is, it detects LC in very early stages before symptoms appear. Recently, with the use of low-dose chest CT (LDCT), with minimal radiation like a simple X-ray, we have managed to develop worldwide LC prevention programs, which show great results with a significant reduction in mortality (28-60%)
Is it dangerous to some extent due to radiation?
Not at all. Scanning the lungs on a CT scanner takes a few seconds, with minimal radiation like a simple X-ray.
Why should I do it?
Because prevention = cure, and the only screening test that refers to lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). After all, early diagnosis is what helps in the complete recovery of the patient.
Is it for everyone or a specific population?
Low Dose CT is recommended for:
- Adults, over 50 years old, current and former smokers
- Former smokers (> 25 pack years) for years (pack years are calculated by multiplying the daily number of packs of cigarettes by the years of smoking. E.g. a 20 pack year smoker could be someone who has smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years, or ½ pack per day for 40 years).
- Former smokers who have quit smoking less than 15 years.
- Current and former smokers in generally good health, without other serious chronic diseases.
- People with a history of lung cancer for more than 5 years.
- People with other predisposing factors for possible development of lung cancer, such as people with a family history of lung cancer and people exposed to increased occupational risk, e.g. exposure to lime, asbestos, etc.
When should it be repeated?
Each patient’s case is different, but in general it should be repeated annually in high-risk people: adult men and women 50-80 years old.
Is it a valid test for preventing lung cancer?
Although it is rare, the tests can give false results. This can happen for various reasons, for example if a person is experiencing an infection at the time of the scan. However, this result is always followed by more tests.
What percentage of cancers does it cover?
LDCT only concerns Lung Cancer
Where can I have it done?
Low-Dose Computed Tomography, without contrast, can be done anywhere, in any CT scanner, with a doctor’s referral.
Is it covered by insurance?
Currently it is not covered by most insurance funds, but coordinated efforts are being made by all scientific bodies for free coverage
