Iowa Radiology Blog

Early Lung Cancer Detection

Jan 30, 2023 11:25:58 AM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common type of cancer in the U.S.[1] One of the reasons lung cancer is so deadly is that symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Fortunately, low-dose CT lung screening (LDCTLS) has emerged as an effective screening tool to detect early-stage lung cancers, increasing many patients’ chances of survival. While LDCTLS isn’t appropriate for everyone, it has the potential to save lives among high-risk patients.

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Topics: cancer, CT scan

What’s the difference between CT and MRI?

Jan 2, 2023 10:07:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used by medical professionals to visualize internal body structures. Both technologies are capable of producing detailed three-dimensional images, and both play vital roles in patient care. While CT uses X-rays to create images, MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves. Which type of imaging a doctor chooses depends on what information they’re seeking, how soon they need it, and the patient’s personal medical history. Below are a few considerations doctors take into account when deciding which to use.

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Topics: CT scan, breast MRI

Lung Screening Guideline Changes in 2022

Apr 1, 2022 11:00:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Expanded Medicare Coverage

In February of this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it was expanding coverage for an early lung cancer detection procedure known as low-dose CT lung screening (LDCTLS). In its official statement, the agency said the move was aimed at improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the US. This screening procedure, which can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, is now accessible to more Medicare recipients, including those who are younger and those who have smoked less over their lifetimes.

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Topics: CT scan

Quitting Smoking Is Hard, but Reducing Your Risk of Cancer Death Isn’t.

May 12, 2021 1:15:00 PM

Posted by Diane Campbell

If you’re a long-term smoker, you probably don’t need to be reminded that it’s bad for your health. You understand that smoking makes it more likely that you’ll develop lung cancer. If it were easy to just quit, you would have done it by now.

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Topics: cancer, CT scan

Proactive Health Tips for Women in their 50s

Apr 22, 2021 11:15:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

In your 50s, your body changes in important ways. Staying healthy and strong takes more effort than it used to, but it’s well worth it! Follow these tips to feel your best and help your body carry you through this decade with grace.

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Topics: health tips, CT scan

Life Without Smoking: What to Expect

Nov 12, 2020 1:15:00 PM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

Quitting smoking is hard. Nicotine is highly addictive, so even occasional smokers can become dependent on it. Maybe you started by sharing a cigarette with friends and then found yourself reaching for one when you felt stressed, tired, or bored. In time, it can become difficult to imagine life without smoking. How does this happen?

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Topics: health tips, CT scan

Can I Be Tested for Lung Cancer If I Don’t Have Symptoms?

May 22, 2020 12:41:42 PM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

Are you wondering if now is a good time to get tested for lung cancer, even if you’re not currently experiencing any symptoms? Getting a screening early is a good idea to make sure you’re healthy or identify potential cancer before it spreads. 

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Topics: cancer, health tips, CT scan

Smoking and Your Health in the Age of COVID-19

May 5, 2020 11:00:00 AM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

It’s been understood for decades that tobacco smoking is the single leading cause of lung cancer, causing an estimated 1.5 to 2 million deaths per year. Eighty-five percent of lung cancers occur in current or former smokers. This year, there is a new reason to quit smoking: COVID-19. Recent studies indicate that when infected with the novel coronavirus, tobacco smokers are more likely to develop severe infections, to need mechanical ventilation, and to die as a result of the illness. This is not surprising, given that smoking causes damage that inhibits the lungs’ ability to clean and repair themselves. Along with getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy, and managing stress, avoiding cigarettes is one if the top ways to keep your immune system in good working order during the pandemic.

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Topics: cancer, health tips, CT scan

Brain Awareness Week 2019—CT and MRI Imaging

Mar 11, 2019 11:16:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Each year since 1996, the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives promotes Brain Awareness Week. The initiative brings together people from academia, government, and professional and advocacy groups to celebrate the brain and promote brain research that supports prevention, treatment, and cures for brain disorders.

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Topics: CT scan, MRI scan

Scanxiety Is Real, but You Can Take Steps to Reduce It.

Nov 9, 2017 8:23:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

You may have heard the term “scanxiety” used to refer to the often intense feeling of anxiety and fear that can surround imaging exams, particularly for patients who have or have had cancer. While scan-related anxiety has not traditionally been a primary concern in cancer treatment, it is gaining attention as an aspect of the illness that deserves more attention.

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Topics: cancer, CT scan

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