Lung cancer screening: The spiral computed tomography lung cancer test
BOSTON — More women die each year from lung cancer than from breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers combined. And women who smoke are more likely than men to develop lung cancer. Even women who've never smoked are at greater risk than their male counterparts. Screening for lung cancer hasn't yet become common, but recent studies suggest that a test called spiral computed tomography can detect lung cancer when it is still curable. If you're considering having a screening test, the March 2007 issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch suggests you weigh the following factors.
The benefit. Women have more to gain from screening than men, in part because they tend to develop lung cancer earlier in their smoking lives. Also, when women develop lung cancer, they're more likely than men to have slow-growing tumors that rarely show symptoms in the early stages.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.