LDCT

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Overview

In India, lung cancer accounts for around 5.9% of all new cancer cases and 8.1% of all cancer deaths, making it one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the absence of early symptoms.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has been found to help reduce lung cancer deaths, especially in high-risk populations. Wide-spread screening programs in India could lead to earlier diagnoses and better chances of survival

Why Screening is Important:

In India, the majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in late stages when curative treatment options are limited. Early screening is crucial to detect lung cancer when it is still localized, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment. Screening with LDCT has the potential to catch the disease in its earliest stages, reducing the overall mortality rate and the burden on healthcare systems.

How It Works:

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) uses advanced X-ray technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs with a reduced radiation dose compared to a standard CT scan. This allows for safer, more frequent annual screenings. LDCT can help detect small nodules or abnormalities in the lungs early, enabling healthcare providers to determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary.

Who Should Be Screened:

#LungLife’s screening program is recommended for high-risk individuals in India, including:

  • Patients who have chronic smoking habits (>20 packs of cigarettes a year)
  • People with a previous history of smoking
  • Previous history of lung, lymphomas, head and neck, or esophageal cancers
  • Friends/family of smokers who are exposed to passive smoking

Benefits of Lung Screening (LDCT):

  • Early Detection
  • Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage when it is still localized. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and significantly improves survival rates.

  • Minimized Radiation Exposure
  • LDCT uses a lower dose of radiation than standard CT scans, making it safer for repeated annual screenings. This is particularly important for high-risk individuals who need frequent monitoring.

  • Improved Quality of Life
  • By diagnosing lung cancer early, patients have more treatment options that are less invasive, leading to improved outcomes and better quality of life.

  • Cost-Effectiveness
  • Detecting lung cancer at an early stage can lead to reduced treatment costs compared to the expenses incurred when treating advanced-stage cancer, which often requires more complex and costly interventions.

  • Monitoring of Lung Health
  • Regular screenings allow healthcare providers to monitor changes in lung nodules or abnormalities over time. This vigilance enables timely interventions if new or growing nodules are detected.

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