Little-known procedure detects early lung cancer, potentially saves lives

Posted: Nov 14, 2024 / 04:16 PM EST

Updated: Nov 14, 2024 / 06:44 PM EST

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, and catching it early is vital. That’s exactly what a low-dose CT scan does, but only one-in-10 people at higher risk take advantage of the procedure.

Frank McKenna was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016.

“I had a hacky little cough that I went to the doctor for,” McKenna said. “They thought it was some kind of allergies or something.”

When medication didn’t work, they did a scan and found fluid in his lungs containing cancer cells. It was already at Stage 4. His five-year survival rate was 4%.

“I knew the statistics and outlook was grim, but you know, it was just another fight to take up,” McKenna said.

McKenna’s story is a common one, but folks at Sentara are trying to make it scarcer. They’re getting the word out about low-dose CT scans, a procedure offering a lower dose of radiation, making it safer for long-term screening.

“The lungs are well-visualized on a CT scan, far better than you can see on a chest X-ray,” said Dr. John Plemmons, a radiologist at Sentara Brock Cancer Center. “You’re really looking at each slice through the chest to the point where very little can hide. You can see nodules down to probably 2 millimeters or so.”

Most patients aren’t diagnosed with lung cancer until they see symptoms — but by then the cancer is usually at Stage 3 or 4.

“Traditionally, by the time lung cancer is symptomatic or it’s identified, 80% of the patients are going to have a disease beyond the small, localized area,” Plemmons said. “But we know that if we catch at that area, the five-year survival rate is almost 60%.”

Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer as early as Stage 1 or 2, which can make all the difference.

“Catching it early makes a huge difference,” said Sentara thoracic surgeon Dr. Rafe Marchigiani. “It not only minimizes what you require to treat it, [the] absence of not needing chemotherapy for example, makes it much more treatable and much more curable.”

Before, a majority of lung cancers had a survival rate of under 50% for any stage.

“I would say now that we’re seeing in excess of 50-60% for Stage 1’s, and getting better, even 70% for some of these early Stage 1’s, which is significantly better than even Stage 2, 3,” Marchigiani said.

It’s a simple test that takes about two minutes. But those eligible aren’t taking advantage of it. It’s an annual scan recommended for those with a long history of smoking, as well as other criteria.

Frank McKenna, however, is not a smoker. A genetic mutation made him predisposed to the disease. But he urges everyone eligible to get checked out.

“Low-dose screening is so important because if you catch the lung cancer at a Stage 1 or 2, or even 3, you have so many more options, including surgery, which I didn’t have at the time,” McKenna said.

McKenna understands the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis. A former personal trainer, he’s dedicating himself to helping others improve their bodies and their minds.

“Instead of being defeatist and saying I can’t, I want people to say, ‘OK, I have cancer, now I can, or I will,” McKenna said. “… and do the things that are going to help you through your journey and not feel like the journey is beating you, but taking the journey on, head-on.”

McKenna is now certified as a cancer exercise specialist and holds workout programs at Sentara’s Brock Cancer Center.

People who are eligible for a low-dose CT scan include:

Those between 50-80 years old
Smoked for a minimum of “20 pack-years”
If no longer a smoker, must have quit within the last 15 years

Medicare Part B covers these tests each year if you meet the requirements. However, it is of note that Medicare’s age requirements differ slightly — covering those between the ages of 50 and 77. For more information on Medicare’s requirements visit https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/lung-cancer-screenings.

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You can visit Sentara’s website about these screenings. These Sentara locations offer low-dose CT scans on Saturdays to accommodate those unable to come during the week: