Regular cancer screenings can lower the chance of death from lung cancer. But they cannot reduce the risk of developing lung cancer for people who smoke. Patients who smoke seem to be confused about the actual benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings, according to a study by the VA Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care in Seattle. Researchers asked smokers a series of questions about smoking and lung cancer screening. Their answers showed that most patients were mistaken about the benefits of screenings and smoking in general. Patients who smoke should understand the importance of quitting rather than just relying on screenings to protect them from cancer. For more information, read the VA VAntage Point Blog and visit the Annals of the American Thoracic Society website.
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