CAT scans superior lung cancer screeners: study

Lung cancer kills more people in the United States than any other form of cancer. Buta new, major government study finds lung cancer screenings with CAT scans can dramatically reduce that death toll.

However, CAT scans have risks of its own, reports CBS News Correspondent Betty Nguyen.

On "The Early Show," Nguyen told the story of Stephanie and Frank Torrighelli, heavy smokers for 50 years, but who never experienced serious health problems -- until they deveoloped early stage lung cancer.

"I never had any illness; the only thing I ever had was a smoker's cough," said Stephanie says.

"You feel good. I don't gasp for air or anything," adds Frank Torrighelli, who was once unaware of his condition.

But after entering a program offering CAT scans, they both found signs of lung cancer. Stephanie had a growth removed from her lung in 2008 and Frank will have the same procedure this July.

"If I didn't take the test, I might not even be around now," Frank adds.

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine says they're not alone. Researchers tested more than 53,000 smokers ages 55 to 74 using CT scans or chest X-rays. The smokers screened with CAT scans had 20 percent fewer deaths from lung cancer.

According to Dr. Denise Aberle, lead investigator of the study at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center, "This is really good news. This trial is probably the biggest gun in our armory against lung cancer right now."

There are more than 94 million current and former smokers in this country -- it's estimated more than 156,000 will die from lung cancer this year alone.

If CAT scans can help identify cancer and save lives, why isn't everyone getting the tests?

"CAT screening and its implementation, if that ultimately happens, will not be a simple process," Dr. Aberle points out.

According to the study, about 24 percent of the scans registered "false positive" tests, potentially exposing a patient to invasive tests and unnecessary anxiety.

CAT scans also cost $300 to $500 -- a price not covered by insurance.

It's a debate that rages on, but for the Torrighelli's, the answer is clear.

"The CAT scan is very important. A lot of people should be doing this," Stephanie Torrighelli said.

The American Cancer Society and other medical groups expect to have CT screening advice for the public in the next few months. But, doctors say, the best way to avoid lung cancer, is to not smoke in the first place.