Full-Body CAT Scans - The Debate Over Full-Body CAT Scans

Thousands of people are diagnosed every day with a terminal illness, such as lung cancer, which if detected early on, could have been successfully treated.

It has been shown that by the time signs and symptoms of lung cancer appear, it's too late. But, if you don't have any of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, how do you know to be tested for it?

Some doctors (and patients) believe a full-body CT / CAT Scan is the key to early detection.

The full-body CAT scan is a diagnostic test that is performed via a specialized scanning machine. It uses an electron beam computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner to create an image. The CAT scan can detect early-stage tumors, vessel blockages and many other potential health problems; in some cases, detection is possible before signs and symptoms appear. In fact, a full-body CAT scan can sometimes detect potential health problems long before a serious illness or death occurs.

In just fifteen minutes, patients can have a complete body scan to detect a number of potential health problems. The CAT scan can "predict" heart attacks and strokes, and detect early stages of cancer not detected in other diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood tests.

This technology has created a wave of promoting among doctors, with many claiming that full-body CAT scans can be used as a means of "preventative medicine" or as an "early detection device". Doctors have set up clinics and offices with CAT scanning machines around the U.S. in easily accessible areas such as malls. Pros and Cons of CAT Scans >>