Talking to a Loved One About Lung Cancer Screening
You can play an important role in helping a loved one protect their health by getting a lung cancer screening, if they are at risk for lung cancer.
Yearly screening for people at risk for lung cancer can help save lives by finding it earlier before it has spread.
When lung cancer is found early, before it has spread, it is more likely to be curable.
However, thinking about the disease can be scary, and it’s common for someone to feel anxiety or fear around screening for lung cancer. They may feel fear of the unknown or fear of the test itself.
To convince someone who may be afraid of getting screened it’s important to show them that they aren’t alone and you’re there to support them every step of the way.
As you take this important step to help your loved one get screened you may find yourself wearing a lot of hats – teacher, cheerleader, note-taker. But the most important thing you can do is just be there for support.
Use this guide to help you start a conversation with your loved one about lung cancer screening, to prep them for discussions with their doctor and to support them throughout the screening process.
Starting the conversation
The first step is sometimes the hardest. You might feel nervous about starting a conversation about lung cancer screening with your loved one, but if you take some time to prepare and know what you’re going to say, it may be easier. Use these tips for inspiration:
Understand the risk:
Learn about the factors that increase one’s risk for lung cancer and determine if your loved one meets the criteria for a screening.
Find a quiet time:
Choose a time and place where you can talk without being interrupted
Acknowledge their fears and your own:
Talk about why you’re concerned that they might be at risk for lung cancer and note any risk factors that they have. Acknowledge that thinking about lung cancer can be scary, but be sure to emphasize that you’re here to support them, and this is something you can take on together to protect their health.
Focus on the benefits and ease of screening:
Remind them of the following information:
• When lung cancer is found early, before it has spread, it’s more likely to be curable
• A yearly screening with a low-dose CT scan can help detect lung cancer earlier, before there are symptoms.
• Getting screened only takes a few minutes, is not painful and doesn’t involve any needles.
Be encouraging.
If they are current or former smokers, assure them that neither you nor anyone else will judge them for their smoking history and that it’s never too late to take control of their health by getting screened.
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Preparing for
the doctor’s appointment
If your loved one is open to learning more about lung cancer screening, the next step is to talk to their doctor about their risk, discuss whether they are eligible for screening and, if so, make an appointment at a local screening center. You can support your loved one in having this important conversation with their doctor by taking the following steps:
Put it on the calendar. Help your loved one schedule an appointment with their doctor. If they need help scheduling consider making the call yourself.
Prepare your questions. Sit down with your loved one and write down the questions you both want to ask the doctor about screening and how to schedule a scan.
Line up transportation. Make a plan for how you and your loves one will get to the doctor’s appointment.
Pack pen and paper. Bring your list of questions and a pen and paper so that you can take notes. The doctor will likely share a lot of information with you, and it can be helpful to refer back to your notes after the appointment.
Listen carefully during the appointment and ask questions as needed. Go to the appointment with your loved one so that you can help ask questions and take notes. Led your loved one take the lead as much as they are comfortable but don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. You want to be sure you both understand the recommended next steps.
Getting
Screened
You’re almost there – your loved one’s decision to get screened is a big one. Tell them that you’re proud of them for taking this step. Now help them follow through.
Make the appointment
Schedule your’ screening and ask what you need to do to prepare. Chech your loved one’s insurance about costs associated with the screening.
Be on time
The screening center may even ask your loved one to arrive early to fill out any paperwork before their scan.
Understand the results and any next steps
After the scan, your loved one’s doctor will contact them with the results. Ask if you can join this conversation so you can both learn what the results mean and if there is any follow up testing needed.
Be vigilant about repeat testing
Screening is recommended yearly for those who are eligible. Set a reminder for your loved one to schedule another scan during the next calendar years as part of their annual health maintenance.
Supporting your loved one
throughout the screening process
There may be a lot of emotions for you and your loved one as you move through the screening process. Confronting the possibility of a lung cancer diagnosis can cause feelings of fear and anxiety, and it can be difficult to manage these emotions while you’re awaiting doctor appointments and screening results. Here are some tips to help you support your loved one and manage emotions you both may be feeling.
References:
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