Lung Cancer Screening Program

We offer a potentially life-saving opportunity for current and former smokers to be screened for early detection of lung cancer. Yearly lung screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) has been shown to save lives by finding lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

What is the goal of CT lung screening?

The goal of the CT lung screening is to save lives by detecting lung cancer early and to help individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer receive a diagnosis and treatment for their disease at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. Without CT lung screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer may be much harder to treat.

Why is lung cancer screening important?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. It is estimated that over 221,200 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. Lung cancer has traditionally been undetectable until it has reached a late, often incurable stage. With advances in technology and cancer research, there are now proven and effective ways to screen for lung cancer at its earliest stages.

Who should get a lung screening exam?

CT Lung screening is recommended for the following groups of people who are at the highest risk for lung cancer:

• Current or former heavy smokers with at least 30 pack years’ history of smoking (a pack year is the number of cigarette packs smoked every day multiplied by the number of years of smoking).
• Between the ages of 55-80.
• Without any major health problems or conditions that would prevent a person from receiving cancer treatments like surgery.
• Former smoker that quit within the last 15 years
• People over 50 years of age and above with a history of smoking 1 pack a day for at least 20 years and have one of the following risk factors:
• COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
• Radon exposure
• Occupational exposure to asbestos, silica, cadmium, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, diesel fumes or nickel
• Personal or family history of cancer