Greetings, Abby My spouse was diagnosed three months ago with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, which started in his lungs and progressed to other parts of his body. Following a bloody battle with this terrible illness, he passed away last month. He had previously smoked and had been exposed to a variety of toxins while working in a manufacturing. We discovered during his ordeal that a yearly CT scan of his lungs would have identified his fatal cancer. This straightforward scan could have detected it early in its growth and potentially saved his life, but his doctor never recommended it. Regretfully, neither he nor I understood how crucial it was to ASK for the test.
When it has been 15 years or less since stopping smoking, or when there are additional exposures, most insurers will cover a CT scan, which is a simple, inexpensive scan. Please encourage those with risk factors to seek this necessary procedure by spreading the word to your readers. It might be the difference between a life-or-death battle with this deadly illness and early discovery and treatment. I’m sad in Indiana.
DEAR SORROWFUL: Please accept my condolences for your husband’s passing. I am aware of how silently aggressive lung cancer can be because I lost my husband to it. (Although he had not been exposed to the risk factors your husband was, he was also diagnosed at stage 4.) I appreciate you writing about the value of a CT scan as a diagnostic tool. Readers, please consider her vital message and discuss it with your physician.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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