Low-dose chest CT scan helps screen for lung cancer early

Among those screened was a 56-year-old patient with a history of smoking more than 20 packs of cigarettes per year. After examination and medical history, the patient was ordered to undergo a low-dose chest CT scan. The diagnosis was confirmed to be adenocarcinoma of the lung.

According to the assessment of Professor, Dr. Mai Trong Khoa, former Director of the Center, the awareness of going for a health check-up even when there are no symptoms and being prescribed a low-dose CT scan has helped patients detect lung cancer at a very early stage, from which radical treatment methods can be given.

Professor Khoa also said that there have been studies worldwide showing that low-dose CT scans help detect early and reduce the risk of death from lung cancer by 20%. This screening is indicated for people at high risk of lung cancer (smoking 30 packs of cigarettes/year or more).