Study looking to change lung cancer screening for former smokers

Those who quit
long ago not eligible

If you smoke a lot now, you should fit into the guidelines to get a screening for lung cancer.

If you smoked a lot back in the day, but have since quit, you may not be eligible.

That, however, is an attitude that needs some shifting, according to a new study by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. 

Researchers studied hundreds of ex-smokers around the Rochester area and found elevated instances of lung cancer, even among those who quit 15 years ago or more. 

Authors of the study are urging an expansion of lung cancer screening guidelines to include those smokers, as well.