05202013Headline:

Lung cancer scans backed for older, heavy smokers

Posted about 128 days ago | Comments Off

FILE - In this June 3, 2010 file photo, Dr. Steven Birnbaum works with a patient in a CT scanner at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, N.H. The American Cancer Society says there now is enough evidence to recommend screening certain older, heavy smokers for lung cancer. The society is releasing new guidelines Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 that advise annual CT lung scans for people ages 55 to 74 who have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or the equivalent, such as two packs a day for 15 years. Research shows that screening these people can cut the risk of dying of lung cancer by 20 percent. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)After decades of qualms about lung cancer screening, the American Cancer Society says there now is enough evidence to recommend it, but only for current and former heavy smokers ages 55 to 74 and after a frank talk about risks and benefits.



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