HJNO May/Jun 2019

46 MAY / JUN 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of new orleans column ONCOLOGY Lung Cancer Screening Many people have similar experienc- es. They are adrift in a sea of information. They can’t change the past. Nevertheless, they seek a proactive course for the future. Fortunately, we have good news for all the Johns and Janes: lung cancer screen- ing. Lung cancer screening is a process that involves imaging that can be used to detect the presence of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended for older adults who are or were smokers for a long peri- od of time. Physicians can utilize low dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs to assess for lung cancer. Lung cancer that is discovered at an early stage is more likely to be cured with treatment. Who Should Consider Screening? Older adults who smoke or are for- Smoking—it was something John start- ed at an early age. Many years ago, his father found John’s small fingers more suitable for rolling cigarettes. Now, John is the grandfather. He finally was able to quit smoking a couple of years ago. John didn’t know smoking was so bad when he started; no one knew. John has friends who have been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is wondering what he should do.