New Study Reports that Screening for Lung Cancer Doesn't Save Lives

A new study released shows that early screening for lung cancer does not equal better chances of beating death.

Often times Doctors and other health care providers recommend smokers and past smokers to undergo tests to screen for lung cancer in the hopes that they will be able to detect it, treat it and possibly save more lives.

CT scans are performed as a way of detecting abnormal lung conditions which may be early signs of deadly lung cancer. However this recent study reports that the results are inconclusive, often not helpful and in fact may put the patient thru unnecessary treatment and possibly do more harm than good.

The most recent research information was released today in the Journal of American Medical Association concludes that testing for lung cancer does not seem to save any lives. The scan is expensive, costing $300-400 and is not generally covered by most insurance companies. Even the American Cancer Society is not recommending that smokers or ex-smokers undergo this test.

The study will not officially be completed for several more years but so far the data does not weigh in favor of the lung cancer screening as a routine precaution. Previous studies have shown that using a standard model based on a patients age, smoking status, asbestos exposure and gender has comparable outcomes in regards to death from lung cancer. The new study examined the same aspects with the addition of those who have had the cancer screening. The previous model formulated an expected 38.8 lung cancer deaths and there ended up being 38.

The studies seem to indicate that there is no way to prevent advanced stages of lung cancer even if detected earlier. Death was going to happen as a result whether testing was done or not.

Some slow growing cancers were detected but were thought to likely not cause death while rapid cancer was missed during the annual screening.

Not only was the cancer screening expensive and unreliable but it also may put patients at risk as a result of the procedure. Positive screening results in more biopsies and surgeries increasing the chance of infection and puncturing of the lungs.

Lung cancer has been and is still the leading cause of death in the United States and the entire world. Screening for this deadly disease is not the answer to the problem, quitting smoking or never starting is the only way to increase your odds of staying alive.

Associated Press. "Study: Lung cancer screening doesn't save lives" CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/03/06/lung.screening.ap/index.html