Chest X-rays

[DFCSmash]

Here's my advice to those firefighters who a) smoke b) used to smoke c) have eaten smoke: Make a chest x-ray part of your annual physical. The life you save will be your own. And your kids will be happier too.

Do with it what you will but remember, lung cancer is most often asymptomatic until it's too late. Prevention is always the wise choice.

[hrecruit]

Agree, I seen my Doc last week being sent every year to see a lung specialist at my own request to keep track as my career continues.

[FFbeaumont]

We are strongly recommended by management to have annual chest X-Rays. I would probably do it anyway but it is nice to have their support.

[irsqyu]

At my age and number of years in the fire service I will be adding the Chest Xray to the tests done during my annual medical. Along with the PSA testing(prostate) and Hemoccult test(colon)! Fortunately I have never smoked, but I remember living in the second hand smoke from the Players plain my parents smoked most of their lives.

[Inspir]

I usualy get an eye exam becuase of all the stpidity I see I feel my eyes are playing tricks on me.

[fireguy9]

By the age of 40 every firefighter should of had one colonoscopy

[PellattFire]

Here's my advice to those firefighters who a) smoke b) used to smoke c) have eaten smoke: Make a chest x-ray part of your annual physical. The life you save will be your own. And your kids will be happier too.

Do with it what you will but remember, lung cancer is most often asymptomatic until it's too late. Prevention is always the wise choice.
Good advise,
I lost my dad two months ago.
He smoked like a chimney but started cutting back 15 years ago and quit cold turkey 9 years ago.
Went in for pain in his shoulder and back and was gone two months later from Lung Cancer.
I quit smoking in January.
I went to my physical a couple weeks ago and practically had to force my doctor to write the order for a chest x-ray.

Now I have been patiently waiting for the follow up appointment.

I am 40 but for the colon my doctor went for the blood test rather than the finger poke for some reason.:)

You may have to ask for the lung test and push for it with the doctor.
Don't let them talk you out of it.
My dad asked for an x-ray several times regarding his back pain and was told it was likely the start of arthritis and put him on meds that most likely made the cancer spread faster.

If you tell them that you think you need it because you are a firefighter and or a smoker they will most likely understand and request it for you.

[fireguy9]

you need the camera up the hoop for the colonoscopy

[PellattFire]

you need the camera up the hoop for the colonoscopy
I know, I wasn't saying that the blood test was a replacement for a colonoscopy.
I don't see the amount of fire that a full timer would see though.
I thought a standard blood test would be sufficient.
Do I still need the scope?
Not looking forward to it but if I should get it I will.

[fireguy9]

I know, I wasn't saying that the blood test was a replacement for a colonoscopy.
I don't see the amount of fire that a full timer would see though.
I thought a standard blood test would be sufficient.
Do I still need the scope?
Not looking forward to it but if I should get it I will.

Only takes one,,, was at union seminar and presentation was made and the specialists highly reccomends it for firefighters to be proactive and get it done.

[Toxic]

I have a couple of comments to add to this thread.

First...
Chest X-rays should only be done every 2 years. X-rays themselves are not good for you and more than one every 2 years is considered a no-no by most medical professionals. (Discuss with your Dr. as I'm just a safety guy)

Second...
Don't forget our old nemesis asbestos. If you've ever done overhaul without a BA on in a structure built before 1987 you've probably been exposed to asbestos. I'm sure that applies to most of us.
Smokers who are exposed to asbestos are 90 times more likely to come down with an asbestos related disease than someone who has had equivalent asbesotos exposure and is a non-smoker.

[Roadwarrior]

I am 40 but for the colon my doctor went for the blood test rather than the finger poke for some reason.:)

The way my doctor explained it depends on your age and any family history. I had the PSA tst done about 5 years ago (age 45) as there was no family history of prostate cancer. Some may get it earlier if your ancestors had it. Then, last year I was sent for the colonoscopy (I was totally put under for it). When I woke up, the doc told me he didn't want to see me for another 10 years....:)

BTW, my family doctor has never given me the finger...:eek:

[PellattFire]

The way my doctor explained it depends on your age and any family history. I had the PSA tst done about 5 years ago (age 45) as there was no family history of prostate cancer. Some may get it earlier if your ancestors had it. Then, last year I was sent for the colonoscopy (I was totally put under for it). When I woke up, the doc told me he didn't want to see me for another 10 years....:)

BTW, my family doctor has never given me the finger...:eek:
Well did a follow up and asked the question again and he suggested that I show him the study that indicates it as the directions he is seeing from studies say that we should be getting a baseline PST with a three swab test and then annual tests to watch for spikes.

He suggested the data being used for colonoscopy without a previous family history is old and has been replaced with more current studies suggesting the fecal swab tests are jut as accurate and obviously less invasive.
I'm happy with that answer but if anyones doctor suggest different then it's your call.

I'll be getting a chest x-ray every year.
Dad/Aunt/Uncle, all dead from lung cancer and all smokers.
Me, previous smoker just hoping to catch it early enough to live through it.

Probably not for everyone but for me the mental relief of another clear one out weighs the possible side effects.