Guest Author - Bonnie Sayers

In light of the recent death of Dana Reeve to lung cancer at 44, I did some research on the subject of lung cancer. I also viewed all the television programs that have Doctors as guests discussing lung cancer and the high number of women affected by this Cancer.

I was not aware that the numbers are higher than Breast Cancer and that the funding is way be that of other disorders. Simple detection is not really a reality at this point in time. From what I have read the detection options are either a Chest X-ray or a CT Scan. The X-ray would be easier to get covered under your Health Insurance Plan.

I heard one Doctor state last night on a program that health insurance does not cover a CT scan. Other names for this type of scan is helical CT scan or spiral CT scan. I did not see this listed in my handbook for my HMO.

The argument against nonsmokers having a CT scan for early detection is that there are false positives from the test that would warrant biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. One Doctor stated the pros were far better than the cons.

I believe this is really a wakeup call for women who were once smokers and those who are nonsmokers in their forties. I turn 46 in three weeks and smoked for over 12 years, having quit almost 11 years ago - cold turkey with not one relapse.

My maternal grandmother smoked for over fifty years and died at 77 of Alzheimer's Disease. My maternal grandfather is in his eighties and has never had Cancer. My father died last year of Myeloma at 66, he also had asthma. I don't think there is really any Cancer in my genes.

I also suffer with asthma and have been suffering with a severe cough the last week. When I was pregnant with my youngest son who is now nine I lived at my parent's house for a few months between States. My marriage broke up in Florida, so I drove up to New Jersey to stay there for awhile to save money before heading back to California.

My parents had a dog that stayed in their laundry room/bathroom on the ground floor. I found it vital to my health to see a Pulmonary Doctor to get checked out and have my asthma condition monitored. That was the only time in my life I saw a Specialist for my asthma.

Now I want to see a Pulmonary Physician and have checked online for resources to find one in my area. Not much turned up in my searches so I opted for the yellow pages. I figured finding the Dermatologist this month was a success utilizing the yellow pages, so I searched. There was one located in Beverly Hills.

I found another one in the downtown Los Angeles area and called both offices today to find out how much a visit would cost. For both numbers I received messages that stated if having an emergency to press 1, otherwise press 2 for regular routine care. After pressing 2 for both offices I received a pleasant thank you message before indicating to leave a message.

I hung up on both offices not wanting to play phone tag with a Physician's office and wanting someone who has regular office hours. I am planning on calling the Dermatologist tomorrow to see if he can recommend someone to me or if there is one in his Medical office affiliated with his Hospital.

During my searches on lung cancer and CT scans I found some useful resources that are worth passing on to other consumers. This Radiologoy Information Site explains what a CT scan is and how to prepare for one.

This is Body Scan of Newport Beach. They quote prices between $400 - 650 for a CT scan. Once I see a Pulmonary Doctor and request a Chest X-ray I will inquire if a CT scan is a recommendation for me at my age and based on my having asthma and being an ex-smoker. Luckily I received my income tax refund and can put the money aside in case this is a recommendation.

I suggest other women who have been smokers discuss lung cancer with their Primary Care Physician at their annual checkups and inquire about a chest x-ray.

The trend on hiring non-smokers