Free Lung Cancer Screening. Five years after government and private insurers started paying for it less than 2 percent of eligible current and former smokers have sought the free scans researchers report. The study didn t explore why but experts say possible explanations include worries about false alarms and follow up tests a doctor visit to get the scans covered fear and denial of the consequences of smoking and little knowledge that screening exists.
Lung cancer screening has proved to be stunningly unpopular. Free lung cancer screening is available for people 50 who are current smokers or have a history of smoking. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the u s but detecting lung cancer early when it is most treatable saves lives.
Five years after government and private insurers started paying for it less than 2 percent of eligible current and former smokers have sought the free scans researchers report.
12 in jama. Healthday despite increases in lung cancer screening eligibility gender racial and ethnic screening disparities may still persist according to a study published online jan. During an ldct scan you lie on a table and an x ray machine uses a low dose amount of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs. The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low dose computed tomography also called a low dose ct scan or ldct.
