Low dose ct lung cancer screening
I have had several low dose ct scans since 2017. I also went on oxygen therepy in 2017. In 2020 I had 4 zephyr valves placed in left lung. My last ct scan was 2022.
I had a regular check-up with pulmonologist this week and he ordered another ct scan, it has been about a year and a half since last one.
Dr office called this morning and said I no longer qualify for lung cancer screening because I use oxygen. What?????
This does not make sense to me. I can not find new guidelines that rule out supplemental oxygen for lung cancer screening. Anyone here have a thought on this?
Thanks,
Hi
Lover , and thanks for your post and inquiry - it is a good one! While I am hopeful others in the community will read about your concern and then chime in and share their own experiences, I have something to contribute as well.
This sounds to be a little unusual to me as well. It is not clear (to me), why the use of oxygen therapy might preclude you from continued lung cancer screening.
I did a little homework and was able to find the the U.S. Task Force recommendations from 2021 for lung cancer screening:
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening.
I do hope this helps you to secure the diagnostic evaluations you are looking for.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon L (author / site moderator)Well that is interesting information your doctors office passed along. Yes, I am being sarcastic to say the least. Why? I am on full O2, diag. with stage 4 COPD and still was screened for Lung Cancer, yes it was found, I have now finished my first round of treatments and getting ready for the next round. I do not qualify for surgery, but was willing if I could have. I live in Georgia, USA. Not sure what else I can say, was it the doctor stating you did not qualify or was it the insurance? I did find this information from the CDC that might be helpful to you. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/screening.htm
Wow just can't imagine what you are feeling right now. Would be interesting in seeing what you come up with, self advocating is a must as we get sick and / or age. Best of luck!Yes it can make the head hurt or spin. I do not qualify for surgery because my lungs would not be able to make it through it, otherwise they would have. Instead of surgery I will be getting extra treatments to help keep the cancer at bay (in remission hopefully). Hopefully you can get the answers of WHY? I have been very lucky. 
Wow, that is so confusing. As hard as it is, you may want to push for an explanation and documentation in writing. If you still can't get the scan, perhaps seeking a second opinion is the way to go. Keep advocating for yourself and the care you deserve -- we are all here for you. -Melissa, copd team
