New Online Tool Determines Whether Users Should Be Screened For Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the number one killer in the United States and in Arizona . The American Lung Association has launched a new online screening tool to help people determine if they should get a low-dose screening for the disease.

Dr. Elizabeth Gore is a radiation oncologist who says the screenings can save lives.

"They’re quick, simple, sensitive scans to pick up lung nodules or early cancer in patients who are at high risk for lung cancer,” Gore said. “So, you’re getting a relatively low dose of radiation, different than you would from a diagnostic scan, but it serves the purpose of screening for nodules."

The online assessment tool takes visitors through a series of questions to determine if they meet the guidelines for the low-dose screening.  Dr. Gore says anyone can take the test, but people who have had a 30-pack-per-year history of smoking and are older than 50 are among the high risk group for lung cancer and should be screened.