Since lung tumors are usually the size of an orange by the time they're discovered, the prognosis is normally dismal. With early detection, many early-stage lung cancers are curable, according to the Cornell researchers. In fact, tests to diagnose cancer as early as possible are vital to saving lives and limiting suffering, according to the American Cancer Society. Nevertheless, the American Cancer Society would need results from a large-scale, randomized, controlled study before it considers changing its policy, said Robert Smith, the group's director of cancer screening. It's also a matter of economics, Smith said.
Insurers require convincing evidence before they are willing to pay for such screenings.
But we need a very different study design. Patients who may be at high risk for lung cancer from smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, or environmental exposure should talk with their doctors about screening, Smith said. Some insurance companies may be persuaded to cover the test with a doctor's recommendation. Send it . Use this version.