New research shows that early screening for lung cancer through CT scan, as opposed to chest x-ray may allow earlier detection and diagnosis that can save lives. By utilizing this technically advanced early-detection technique, Beverly Hills Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center in Beverly Hills, California, offers former and current smokers who qualify the opportunity to undergo CT screening the possibility of lowering their morbidity rate from lung cancer by 20%. "Approximately 160,000 people in the U.S. die of lung cancer every year. A recent study by the National Cancer Institute published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that using CT scans to screen for lung cancer cuts the risk of death from the disease by 20%.

This cancer screening technology is another way we are able to use state-of-the-art technology and dedicated clinical research to catch lung cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages," says Dr. Ari Gabayan, M.D., Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at the Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

Beverly Hills Cancer Center is among select facilities in the United States offering this type of screening. Patients first meet with the physicians who customize a screening regimen based on the patient's medical history and risk factors. CT lung cancer screening is offered only to qualifying patients who meet the criteria. "Our goal is to empower people to take control of their health using the power of prevention. In this case, patients identified as high risk, such as those with a heavy smoking history, can participate in the screening process that could possibly save their lives."

According to Dr. Gabayan, this type of detection is particularly helpful among asymptomatic patients who, because of a lack of any obvious symptoms, may not even know they have lung cancer. CT scans provide a more in-depth picture of the chest area than widely-used x-rays and the scan can detect many abnormalities that an x-ray would miss. CT scans are currently not commonly used as a screening tool for lung cancer. Given its life-saving potential, the current research suggests that CT imaging for cancer screening may become standard of care for more patients in the future as it may be customized to each person based on his/her individual risk factors, genetic history and lifestyle. New guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the first to be published by a national advisory group, strongly recommend the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for select individuals at high risk for" lung cancer. For the target group 55 to 74 years of age with a 30 pack-year history of smoking and smoking cessation for less than 15 years, regular annual LDCT scans are recommended. This is a category 1 recommendation, which is based on high-level evidence and uniform NCCN consensus that the intervention is appropriate.

"We have always been dedicated to excellence in care, healing, and well-being for cancer patients," Dr. Gabayan adds. "The fact that the study shows evidence that CT scans can decrease the mortality rate of lung cancer patients by 20% is groundbreaking, and we are excited to offer this screening service to patients that qualify based on relevant risk factors." At Beverly Hills Cancer Center the CT scanner is capable of imaging virtually any body part with phenomenal speed and accuracy, which lends it the ability to detect abnormalities very precisely," Dr. Gabayan says. Beverly Hills Cancer Center's diagnostic CT scanner was awarded accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which means that the center exceeds the rigorous standards for diagnostic CT imaging.

The Beverly Hills Cancer Center www.bhcancercenter.com is an ACR Accredited facility offering a vast array of cancer screening and prevention services. These screenings can diagnose and prevent many types of cancer, which can ultimately save lives. The center is located at 8900 Wilshire Boulevard, in Beverly Hills, California.