Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, causing more deaths than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Results of the National Lung Screening Trial showed that screening current and former heavy smokers with low-dose CT scans reduced their risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%. A low-dose CT scan offers the best chance of finding lung cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
During a low-dose lung CT scan, an X-ray machine scans the body and uses low doses of radiation to make detailed pictures of the lungs.
Who should get screened?
People ages 50-77 should get a yearly screening if they meet the following criteria:
• 20-pack-year smoking history (For example, 1 pack/day for 20 years; 2 packs/day for 10 years, etc. )
• Currently smoke
• Quit smoking within the last 15 years
How is the low-dose CT scan performed?
You will lie on a table that passes through the center of the scanner. The low-dose CT scan is painless and can be performed with a single short breath hold and takes less than 15 seconds.
How much radiation will I receive during the low-dose CT scan?
Radiation from a low-dose CT scan can be up to 90 percent less than the dose from a standard chest CT. The benefit of finding and treating early lung cancer far outweighs that risk. The amount of radiation exposure from a low-dose CT scan is about the same as a person would receive from background radiation (such as sun exposure) over a period of one year.
Will insurance cover the cost of my lung cancer screening?
Medicare and commercial insurance will most likely cover the service. You are encouraged to contact your insurance agency to verify whether this is a covered exam.
What happens after my low-dose CT scan?
A radiologist, a physician who specializes in reading images, will interpret your low-dose CT scan and recommend either a one-year follow-up or further testing. Results will be sent to your provider.
How do I schedule my lung cancer screening?
Talk to your provider. If a lung cancer screening is right for you, he or she can help schedule a low-dose CT scan. View our clinic phone numbers here.
