Just as American women are taught to schedule mammograms before noticing symptoms of breast cancer, the Lung Cancer Foundation is urging citizens to schedule CT scans proactively.

Mesothelioma is commonly detected when doctors notice abnormalities on images of the lungs. Typically, these images are taken using X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These types of imaging tests are usually scheduled once a doctor has assessed a patient's symptoms and risk factors and determines there is adequate need for further examination. However, a new advertising campaign is encouraging the public to receive CT scans as a precautionary measure.

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation has sponsored a four-city campaign urging citizens to request CT scans proactively. The campaign is intended to bring awareness to early lung cancer detection, but their message is just as pertinent for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma's latency period is so great, the cancer often remains unnoticed for a long period of time. Detecting mesothelioma at an early stage can significantly increase a patient's life span and quality.

The campaign features ads on public transportation in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco. The posters boast phrases like "CT Scan…Think of it as a mammogram for your lungs" and "Best Picture goes to The CAT SCAN for achievement in detecting Lung Cancer early."

CT scans are one of the most important imaging techniques because they generate three dimensional images that often pick up details missed by X-rays. Aside from diagnosing cancer, CT scans are used to screen for pneumonia and to examine lung growth.