Routine Lung CT Backed for Some Smokers

A government advisory group is recommending for the first time that heavy long-term smokers get regular tests for lung cancer. The advice comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Under the 2010 health reform law, insurance must cover cancer screening tests that the task force recommends. The new task force advice says that some smokers should get low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs each year. The purpose is to find cancers early enough so they can be treated. The tests are recommended for people ages 55 through 79 who have smoked for at least 30 “pack-years.” This includes people who smoked a pack a day for 30 years or 2 packs a day for 15 years. It includes former as well as current smokers, but not those who quit at least 15 years ago. The advice is not final. Public comments will be accepted first, through August 26.