New CT scan helps in early detection of lung cancer

World
Europe

The American Lung Association has initiated a national campaign this month to educate Americans about early detection of lung cancer through new screening test for high risk groups.

A low-dose CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes multiple pictures of lungs. A computer then combines these images into a detailed picture of the lungs.

According to the website of the Chicago-based association, study on early detection of lung cancer found that only the low-dose CT scan can reduce mortality for those at high risk.

The American Lung Association hopes to empower and motivate former and current smokers to learn more about their screening options through the campaign. /AFP Photo

The campaign targets around nine million people in the USA who are at high risk for lung cancer.

People are considered high risk for lung cancer if they are in the age group of 55 to 80 years and have a 30 pack per year history of smoking, which means one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.

"Lung cancer screening is a powerful opportunity to save lives by diagnosing the disease in early stages when the disease is more curable," said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer.

"Screening can potentially save thousands of lives, and through this campaign we hope to empower and motivate former and current smokers to learn more about their screening options," he added.

Lung Cancer in China

China has been experimenting with new technologies for early detection of cancer. Shanghai Changzheng Hospital is using Artificial Intelligence to assist doctors for early detection of lung cancer.

Human lung and bronchi. /VCG Photo

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in China. According to Chinese National Cancer Center's data released this February, lung cancer tops the chart in terms of both morbidity and mortality and kills about 106,300 people annually in the country.

10615km

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency