Approximately 900,000 veterans are at risk of getting lung cancer, according to the VA.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates approximately 900,000 veterans are at risk of getting lung cancer.
That’s why, ahead of National Lung Cancer Screening Week Nov. 12-15, VA is encouraging eligible veterans to register for a low-dose CT scan (LDCT).
Those eligible for LDCTs through the VA are veterans 50-80 years old who currently smoke cigarettes or have quit within the last 15 years and have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, i.e. smoked a pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc. There is no cost for annual LDCTs, but there may be copays to evaluate abnormal findings.
LDCT can find lung cancer at an early stage when the chance for a cure is greater; however, it also may detect lung abnormalities that don’t turn out to be lung cancer. Veterans are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons of lung cancer screening with their health provider.
The VA provides more details on what to expect before, during and after a lung cancer screening here. And remember, the best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking. For more information about quitting tobacco, call VA’s tobacco quit line at 855-QUIT-VET (855-784-8838), sign up for VA’s SmokefreeVET text messaging program, and visit https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/ and https://veterans.smokefree.gov/.
- Veterans Healthcare