Melinda M., AR

I started receiving low-dose CT scans in 2015 because my insurance began covering them, and my primary care physician strongly recommended I get them. I had a nodule, but it was only 3 millimeters. I was scanned yearly with very little change in my results until 2023, when my scan indicated the nodule had grown to 8 millimeters.

I was scanned again three months later, and the nodule had doubled in size to 1.7 centimeters. The next step was a biopsy, which confirmed I had adenocarcinoma. A PET scan showed no other cancer and clear lymph nodes.

I had surgery on Aug. 13, 2023. The upper lobe and half of the middle lobe of my lung were removed, and I’m considered cured. I had no follow-up treatment except for regular checkups with my specialists. Isn’t that wonderful!

I am so blessed to have had people in my life advocating for low-dose CT scans as early as 2015. Had that not happened, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be enjoying football games, dance recitals and so many other events with my six grandchildren.

I’m one of the fortunate ones who had insurance that covered scans, a doctor who insisted I keep getting them even when I thought they weren’t necessary, and a great care team when I needed them most.

Time is critical when a tumor is growing every day, making survival less likely while increasing pain and costs. In my 34-year career with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, I saw firsthand how essential access to quality, affordable health care coverage is. One woman died from lung cancer while we were trying to determine her eligibility for Medicaid so she could receive chemotherapy.

My hope is that one day, everyone will be as fortunate as I was and receive expedited treatment for such a serious, life-threatening disease.

I don’t understand why so many people still don’t know about low-dose CT scans. Only a small percentage of those eligible are getting screened. If someone meets the criteria, in my opinion, it’s the best thing they can do for themselves and, most importantly, for their family.

I was my mother’s caregiver when she died from lung cancer in 2014. It’s a devastating experience for the caregiver and an agonizing death for the patient. I would love nothing more than to see low-dose CT scans become as common as mammograms and other preventive health screenings.