This lung cancer screening covers the entire chest and provides a more detailed look than a standard chest X-ray. A landmark national study has indicated that screening with low-dose CT scans can help find lung cancers early, leading to a higher cure rate.
Who should be screened?
- Age 50 - 80
- Smoke now or have stopped in the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history
A "pack-year" is a way to measure a person's smoking history based on the number of packs smoked per day and the number of years they have smoked. For instance, a person qualifies for the low-dose CT scan if they have smoked the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes every day for at least 20 years. Alternatively, they could have smoked two packs a day for 10 years, or any other combination that adds up to 20 pack-years.
Ask your primary care provider or pulmonologist if you are a candidate for a low-dose CT scan and schedule an appointment to obtain a referral.
Low-dose CT scans:- Non-invasive
- Painless
- Actual scan takes less than 30 seconds
- Most insurance plans cover it as a preventative measure
A healthcare provider's order is required.
New patients:
Existing patients: