However, CT scans do have some risks. Radiation exposure even at low doses is significantly much higher than the conventional x-ray. Moreover, CT scans are also expensive ($600-$1,000) and the majority of health insurance companies and Medicare do not pay for reimbursement. Moreover, when a lesion is identified, in most cases it has to be investigated further. This leads to more testing and a biopsy. This not only adds to increasing costs but also to a whole host of complications. Moreover, just like colonoscopy, surgeons will definitely over utilize surgery just because they can make more money.
Nevertheless, Dr. Harold Varmus, Director of the National Cancer Institute indicates that this is the first clear evidence that a screening test can help reduce the high number of deaths associated with lung cancer. Added Dr Varmus, “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. and throughout the world, so a validated approach that can reduce lung cancer mortality by even 20 percent has the potential to spare very significant numbers of people from the ravages of this disease."
Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society agrees. "This is the first baby step toward adopting lung cancer screening in smokers. This is the first time we have any study that truly proves that screening smokers can save lives and can be beneficial. It really does give us some hope."
For the consumers this is both good and bad news. Sure, the test will identify lung cancer early and hopefully lead to cure. But on the other hand, the costs of regular CT scans and all the associated procedures that may occur will also lead to excessive costs. In addition, with the way the health care system is running- only doctors will be the winners.
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