DuBOIS — Women are frequently advised to schedule their annual mammograms and men a blood test for PSA to screen for prostate cancer. The list of adult screenings also includes a colonoscopy and total blood panels. But, did you know that if you are a current or former smoker, a low-dose CT scan is recommended for the early detection of lung cancer?

“Approximately 75% of the lung cancers we have detected through our low-dose CT screening program have been diagnosed at Stage 1 or 2 when they are more treatable with positive outcomes,” said Dr.

Sandeep Bansal, medical director of The Lung Center and Interventional Pulmonology at Penn Highlands Healthcare.

“Approximately 87% of lung cancer is caused by smoking. The other 13% is caused by genetics, radon and chemicals and minerals such as asbestos.”

Even people without any of those risks can develop lung cancer, so it is important for people with symptoms to see their primary care physicians.

According to Bansal, lung cancer does not have any symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, it has progressed to Stage 3 or 4 when the prognosis is not as good. When cancerous nodules are found at Stage 1, the five-year survival rate is greater than 80%.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

It is recommended that screening should be performed for high risk individuals between 50 and 80 years of age and those who have smoked for 20 pack years — a half pack a day for 40 years; one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

WHAT IS A LOW-DOSE CT SCAN?

A low-dose CT scan is a non-invasive imaging test. Specifically, the screening uses a very small dose of radiation to take pictures of the lungs. The dose of radiation is significantly lower than a standard chest CT scan.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMETHING IS FOUND ON THE CT SCAN?

If something irregular is detected by the CT scan, the physician will assess its probability of cancer based on its size, location and appearance.

The patient’s age and if they are or were a smoker will also be considered.

If the probability of cancer is low, the person will be followed every three to six months for up to two years. For approximately 65% of the people screened, the probability will be classified as an intermediate level. Most of these patients will undergo a biopsy procedure, typically a robotic bronchoscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia, that uses a robotic arm to guide a camera and light through the lungs to examine and biopsy lung tissue. If the probability is high, surgery will be recommended to remove the nodules and stage the cancer.

Most insurance plans and Medicare cover lung cancer screening for people who meet eligibility criteria.

The Lung Center at Penn Highlands Healthcare was the first healthcare facility in Central Pennsylvania to offer low-dose CT lung cancer screening, according to representatives. To learn more, visit phhealthcare.org/service/ lung-cancer-screenings.