Panel Backs Lung Cancer Screening For Some Smokers

Lung Cancer Screening

For the first time, the government recommends lung cancer screenings for some smokers.

FOX News Radio’s Pam Puso reports:

Audio clip:

Lung cancer is the top cancer killer worldwide and a government task force believes annual scans can cut some smokers chances of dying from the disease.

The panel is recommending CT scans for people between the ages of 55 and 79 who smoked a pack a day for 30 years or two packs for 15 years.

The scans, that can cost up to $400, are not usually covered by Medicare or private insurance companies, but under the new healthcare law, cancer screenings that are given final task force approval are to be covered with no co-pays.

Pam Puso, FOX News Radio.

Editor’s Note: Public comments on the recommendation will be given until August 26th, then the panel will give its final advice.