For People 50 and up, Lung Cancer Scans are Recommend Even If Not a Big Smoker
- 3 years ago
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force presented the new recommendations in the medical journal 'JAMA.'
Almost twice the number of people than before are now advised to receive a preventative lung scan.
The recommended age for a scan has been lowered from 55 to 50 and the length of smoking history is reduced from 30 years to 20 years.
The changes significantly increase the number of African Americans and women who should be tested.
Studies show both women and African Americans have a higher tendency to develop lung cancer at earlier ages and through less exposure to cigarettes.
More people die annually of lung cancer in the U.S. than of any other type of cancer.
Almost twice the number of people than before are now advised to receive a preventative lung scan.
The recommended age for a scan has been lowered from 55 to 50 and the length of smoking history is reduced from 30 years to 20 years.
The changes significantly increase the number of African Americans and women who should be tested.
Studies show both women and African Americans have a higher tendency to develop lung cancer at earlier ages and through less exposure to cigarettes.
More people die annually of lung cancer in the U.S. than of any other type of cancer.