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Early detection of lung cancer increases your odds of successful treatment and celebrating more birthdays. But a lung cancer screening comes with a few risks, too. So, should you get checked?
The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say “yes” if you meet certain criteria tied to long-time cigarette use.
Let’s take a closer look at your options with pulmonologist Peter Mazzone, MD, MPH.
A lung cancer screening isn’t for everyone, states Dr. Mazzone. It’s recommended only for adults who are at high risk for the disease — which explains why screening guidelines are pretty specific.
The USPSTF suggests an annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply:
It’s also important that you’re healthy enough to benefit from finding and treating early-stage lung cancer. People who get tested don’t typically have symptoms of lung cancer.
“If someone comes to us in a wheelchair already wearing oxygen and couldn’t tolerate treatment, they typically aren’t eligible for screening,” clarifies Dr. Mazzone. “However, there are nearly 15 million Americans who are at high risk and should receive screening.”
It should be noted, too, that a lung cancer screening is a quick and painless imaging exam. It uses low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT, to capture very detailed pictures of your lungs.
As noted, lung cancer often doesn’t announce itself with early symptoms. So, without an annual screening, lung cancer is often detected once the disease has progressed and spread — which makes successful treatment less likely.
People with lung cancer have about an 80% chance of being alive five years later if the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins during Stage 1. The five-year survival rate is about 4% if tumors have spread.
That leads us to this alarming reality: Only about 1 in 4 people with lung cancer are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. “Early detection is key to changing that,” says Dr. Mazzone.
Are lung cancer screenings perfect? Of course not. Scans sometimes detect small spots called nodules that look concerning but are basically harmless little scars. Radiation exposure is a concern, too. Ditto for overdiagnosis of conditions and additional testing and stress.
“But the benefits of lung cancer screening still outweigh any potential harm for many people,” notes Dr. Mazzone.
Lung cancer is found in about 1 in every 140 people who get screened. This may sound like a small number, but it’s about the same or better than the results for breast cancer and colon cancer screening.
A counseling session is often required before a lung cancer screening so you can discuss lung cancer risks, the screening process, benefits and potential harm. It can be a complex and difficult decision for people to make.
“Many people value the potential benefit of screening so much they’re happy to accept them,” explains Dr. Mazzone. “Others may have a different perspective. Talk to your doctor to help decide what’s best for you.”
And because the test is annual, the decision on whether to do it can be revisited every year.
This article was written by Lungs, Breathing and Allergy Team from Cleveland Clinic and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive.
Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for your medicare and health insurance needs. Contact them at 251-344-2115
Understanding the financial aspects of home care is crucial for many families. Its about knowing your options, who to talk to, and where to begin. At Amazing Care, were here to help you navigate through the maze of home care payment options, ensuring you make informed decisions regarding paying for home care services.Home care, an essential service for many, can sometimes be a financial burden. However, with the right information and resources, you can find ways to manage these costs effectively. Amazing Care offers several payment options to alleviate this burden.Medicaid: A viable option for those who meet certain income and health requirements. Amazing Care accepts Medicaid for qualifying services, providing a lifeline for many in need of home care without the financial means to afford it out-of-pocket. For more detailed information on how you can utilize Medicaid for services at Amazing Care, visit our Medicaid payment options page.Medicare: Typically, Medicare covers medically necessary home health care services. If you or your loved one is a Medicare beneficiary, you might be eligible for coverage of Amazing Cares services. This includes nursing care, physical therapy, and more under certain conditions outlined by Medicare guidelines. To understand how Medicare can help cover your home care needs with Amazing Care, check out Amazing Cares Medicare guide.Private Insurance: Home care covered by insurance is available, and many private health insurance policies include home care services. Coverage details can vary widely, so its essential to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. Amazing Care works with numerous private insurance plans, assisting you in maximizing your benefits. For insights on navigating private insurance with Amazing Care, visit our private insurance payment options page.Starting this journey can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. The first step is to contact Amazing Care to discuss your needs and payment options. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process, ensuring you access the care you need without undue financial stress. By exploring Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance options, youll find a path to covering the costs of home care. Questions, please contact us at 303-755-3170.
Becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone in your life. Whether you are newly turning 65 or approaching eligibility due to disability, understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming. With multiple parts, plans, and enrollment periods, making the right choice is essential to protect your health and finances.Thats where Inman Medical Insurance Services steps in helping Medicare-eligible individuals and their families navigate the complex landscape of Medicare insurance with clarity, confidence, and care.Understanding Medicare: A Quick OverviewMedicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, younger individuals with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It consists of several parts: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. 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Dont Wait: Why End-of-Life Conversations Cant Be Put Off According to an article by Johns Hopkins Medicine, two-thirds of Americans dont have a living will or advance directive. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and uncertainty for both seniors and their loved ones. A lot of people dont know what an advance directive is, says Lectoria Byron, a social worker with our Mobile, Alabama program. So, its giving them that knowledgeinforming them of exactly what it is and how it can help them. That eases a lot of anxiety. We sat down with Lectoria and Registered Nurse & Case Manager Amanda Albright to find out why these decisions matter and how the PACE care model fosters them. What is an advance directive and why does it matter? An advance directive is a legal document that explains what kind of medical care you want if you cant speak for yourself. It usually has two main parts: A living will, which says what treatments you do or dont want.A durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names someone you trust to make medical choices for you. Imagine for yourself, Amanda says. Someone you love deeply is in crisis because somethings happened to youand they cant find your funeral plans, your bank statements, or your healthcare wishes. They wont have time to grieve because theyre forced to focus on the paperwork and decisions that could have already been made. How does PACE help with these difficult conversations? Both Lectoria and Amanda emphasized education and pre-planning as the biggest ways their team offers support. Lectoria and the other care team members talk about advance directives during check-ins that happen twice a year. We break it up into manageable steps so its not overwhelming, Lectoria says. In Alabama, we have a basic form that requires two signatures and two witnesses, and we help guide participants through it. If a participant requires legal guardianship or their request involves filing documentation in court, we help connect them with resources like free legal aid, Lectoria adds. She said the best way to approach the conversation is to keep it simple. When you dont work directly with death or dying, its hard to know how to begin, Lectoria explains. But it doesnt take special training. You start by asking: Do you know what an advance directive is? A living will? A power of attorney? Then we offer information and ask: What are your wishes? PACE also provides brochures and other educational materials to help participants review their options in their own time. Checking in every six months ensures these decisions remain a priority. What is the advantage of a participant having their PACE team facilitate the conversation? The PACE team consists of a primary care physician, skilled nurse, social worker, physical therapist, recreation therapist, occupational therapist, and a chaplain. Amanda explains, The team approach keeps any one staff member from carrying all the emotional weight. And the participant hears a consistent message from different perspectiveseach member offering their own short summary or advice. That consistency builds trust and understanding. It gives a lot of credibility, Amanda says. PACEs structure also allows for something rare in modern healthcare: time. Were not seeing 16 patients an hour, Amanda says. We have the privilege to slow down and help people understand. That makes all the difference. Planning ahead for your care isnt just about filling out formsits about showing love, respect, and helping everyone feel more at peace. At PACE, were here to support you and your family through every part of aging, even the tough conversations. To find out more about Mercy LIFE and their innovative care program for Seniors, contact them at 251-287-8427.
Let's Get to Know Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama a Little BetterSince 1936, we've been doing our part to provide quality, affordable healthcare coverage to each and every one of our members, at every stage of their lives. We are proud to be the number one provider of healthcare benefits in Alabama.Quick FactsWe are the largest provider of healthcare benefits in Alabama.We are proud to provide coverage to over 2.8 million people.We pay billions of dollars in benefits each year.We employ over 3,300 people.Our corporate headquarters is located in Birmingham, Alabama.We Cover What MattersHappy, healthy lives - for you and your family. There's not much that matters more. Since 1936, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has provided peace of mind to our members by delivering access to quality, affordable healthcare in a caring manner. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, we are a trusted name in the healthcare industry.We Cover Alabamians ... and MoreWe are proud to be number one in providing healthcare benefits in Alabama, and we have a growing national footprint as well. We cover over 2.8 million members, including over 2 million Alabamians and an additional 840,000 nationwide. We have been chosen by over 19,400 employer groups as their health insurer, from small business owners in Alabama to some of the largest corporations in the nation - They all count on us to administer their health, dental and pharmacy programs. So do thousands of individuals throughout the state.We Deliver ValueWe are one of the most efficient health insurers in the entire industry, providing the best value for our member's healthcare dollar. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud latest reports show Alabama has the fourth lowest average annual single premium and the sixth lowest average annual family premium among employers nationwide. This is according to the Federal Governments 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services.We Truly CareIn addition to this strong level of commitment to our members, we are also dedicated to giving back to the community. As a corporation, we strive to improve the health and well-being of Alabamians by investing in charitable organizations across the state. Our employees are also tremendous supporters of United Way and devote personal time and financial resources to numerous charitable efforts in the community.We Have the Best EmployeesOur employees are our greatest asset, and their commitment to providing our members the best service possible is the key to our success. We employ over 3,200 people. We're headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with service and satellite offices throughout the state.Looking for Health Insurance?Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers:Individual & FamilyMedicare Select PlanDentalTravelShort TermMedicareEmployersVisionContact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama at 251-344-2155 for more information.
Let's Get to Know Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama a Little BetterSince 1936, we've been doing our part to provide quality, affordable healthcare coverage to each and every one of our members, at every stage of their lives. We are proud to be the number one provider of healthcare benefits in Alabama.Quick FactsWe are the largest provider of healthcare benefits in Alabama.We are proud to provide coverage to over 2.8 million people.We pay billions of dollars in benefits each year.We employ over 3,300 people.Our corporate headquarters is located in Birmingham, Alabama.We Cover What MattersHappy, healthy lives - for you and your family. There's not much that matters more. Since 1936, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has provided peace of mind to our members by delivering access to quality, affordable healthcare in a caring manner. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, we are a trusted name in the healthcare industry.We Cover Alabamians ... and MoreWe are proud to be number one in providing healthcare benefits in Alabama, and we have a growing national footprint as well. We cover over 2.8 million members, including over 2 million Alabamians and an additional 840,000 nationwide. We have been chosen by over 19,400 employer groups as their health insurer, from small business owners in Alabama to some of the largest corporations in the nation - They all count on us to administer their health, dental and pharmacy programs. So do thousands of individuals throughout the state.We Deliver ValueWe are one of the most efficient health insurers in the entire industry, providing the best value for our member's healthcare dollar. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud latest reports show Alabama has the fourth lowest average annual single premium and the sixth lowest average annual family premium among employers nationwide. This is according to the Federal Governments 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services.We Truly CareIn addition to this strong level of commitment to our members, we are also dedicated to giving back to the community. As a corporation, we strive to improve the health and well-being of Alabamians by investing in charitable organizations across the state. Our employees are also tremendous supporters of United Way and devote personal time and financial resources to numerous charitable efforts in the community.We Have the Best EmployeesOur employees are our greatest asset, and their commitment to providing our members the best service possible is the key to our success. We employ over 3,200 people. We're headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with service and satellite offices throughout the state.Looking for Health Insurance?Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers:Individual & FamilyMedicare Select PlanDentalTravelShort TermMedicareEmployersVisionContact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama at 251-344-2155 for more information.