Six groups of people need chest X-rays to screen for lung cancer

Data shows that 70% of lung cancer patients are already in the advanced stage when the disease is discovered. Currently, the only way to detect lung cancer early is chest X-ray examination.

So, who in life particularly needs a chest X-ray?

1. Heavy smokers: Those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, or have been smoking for more than 20 years and smoke more than 400 cigarettes a year should pay attention to regular chest X-ray examinations.

2. People with long-term cough and sputum: Especially if there is blood in the sputum, even if it only happens once, do not ignore this important signal. If there is blood in the sputum repeatedly, it should be taken seriously and you should go to the hospital for a chest X-ray examination in time. Patients with long-term cough or irritating cough or metallic cough should also go for examination in time.

3. People who have unexplained lumps on their bodies, such as swollen lymph nodes, skin nodules, scalp lumps, etc., should have a chest X-ray to rule out lung tumors.

4. People with special extrapulmonary manifestations: If a man has a breast lump on one side, clubbing, joint lumps, etc., he should not be afraid to seek medical treatment and should take a chest X-ray for examination.

5. People who have unexplained hoarseness or difficulty swallowing: If this phenomenon occurs, a chest X-ray should be checked in time.

6. Patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis: When checking the chest X-ray, compare it with previous chest X-rays. If there are changes in shape or nature, pay attention to the possibility of lung scar cancer.

For the above high-risk groups, chest X-rays should be taken every six months to a year, preferably every six months. Because lung cancer develops quickly and secretly, chest X-rays can often provide evidence for early detection.