Does your annual physical include chest x-rays, if

[babylonsister]

you even have a physical? Now that's being encouraged to ward off cancer per Bob Schieffer on Larry King. (Talking about Peter Jennings, who I loved).
I'm one of the fortunate ones that has insurance, but nothing is offered to me. My husband got a chest x-ray (he's 52); I had a 'well woman' :eyes: physical, and no mention of an x-ray. And I've had breast cancer. I'm 49 and holding. Makes me wonder...

[AllieB]

1. I've only had a chest X-Ray when I've had bronchitis

that is not part of my regular check up. Makes you wonder if that IS part of the normal physical, what does the doctor suspect is going on physically?

[atommom]

2. I've never heard that recommended, except for people with a family

history of lung cancer. My MIL was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months ago, after an x-ray she got for another reason showed a large tumor in her lung. Only then did a family member mention to her that her father had also had lung cancer. (He kept it from the family.) :banghead:

[latebloomer]

3. Our dentist just told us

that the ADA has just stated that there is no acceptably safe level of radiation.

I think yearly X-rays could cause more problems than it detects.

[Gloria]

4. I think there are guidelines for various tests.....

My doctor wanted one a couple of years ago and I begged off. This year, I had one.

I've had a chest x-ray for a couple of jobs, too.

Do a search for guidelines for testing....they should be easy to find.

[merh]

5. Annual chest x-rays aren't a guarantee.

I had a friend that had annual physicals to include the chest x-rays because his father died of lung cancer. Yes, my friend was a smoker. He had the chest x-ray in November, nothing was detected. In February he became ill, they found the cancer had spread so that they could not operate. They tried chemo and radiation, but neither helped. He died July 4, 2004.

He was a dear man and only in his mid-50's. I miss him terribly. :cry:

[im10ashus]

Delete.

Double-clicked. oops.

[im10ashus]

11. My condolences.

That's always rough losing a close friend. They are always like family, sometimes closer. :hug:

[merh]

12. Thank you for the condolences.

And he was closer than family. He was a dear friend that I could call on at any time. :cry:

My post is not to discourage chest x-rays, it is just to point out that they don't always catch the disease.

[yo-yo-ma]

6. chest x rays as screening tests for lung cancer don't work

most employment chest x rays are done to rule out TB.

there is no evidence (and several large trials) that even screening asymptomatic smokers works.

unfortunately very few cancers (cervical and breast and colon and maybe prostate excepted) are amenable to screening

[yojon]

7. annual chest xrays not helpful

expensive and dont find operable cancers, even in high risk people!

[applegrove]

8. Radon gas should be tested in your house. Also - if you have any

family with cancer - go for the check ups even if you never smoked.

And for god's sake - quit! I will.

[undeterred]

9. I think it might depend on your health history

your family history and your risk factors such as smoking. I am 48 and have no risk factors so I did not have one. A chest xray can pick up other kinds of cancer and illness too. I assume you are having follow ups on the breast cancer which include mammogram or biopsy?

[babylonsister]

10. Absolutely, every year. Thanks for asking!

But when I was going through my trauma many moons ago, x-rays were taken every 6-months to a year. Makes me wonder how radioactive I am, though I don't set off airport detectors.

[im10ashus]

13. Mine never has.

I was in the Army for four years and my physical didn't include a chest x-ray. I've had a physical nearly every year since (about 19 years) and have never had a chest x-ray. I guess if you have a family history of lung-related ailments it would make sense. I would worry about the radiation from the x-ray personally.

[Bill Bored]

14. I don't think the X-Ray is an annual thing.

Chances are as long as radiology is covered, the X-Ray would be paid for even if done by a GP. I don't think it's an annual test though. Too much radiation!