Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of developing lung cancer, contributing to 80% of lung cancer deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
When is a low-dose CT lung cancer screening recommended?
Early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients is critical. You are considered high-risk if you meet the following criteria:
- You are between the ages of 50 and 77 (Medicare covers up to 77 years of age, but private insurance may cover up to 80 years of age)
- You have a smoking history of 20 pack years (1 pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
- You are currently a smoker or have quit in the last 15 years
Low-Dose Lung CT Screening
If you are a smoker or a former smoker, a simple screening at UP Health System could save your life. The National Lung Screen Trial (NLST) findings reveal that those who received low-dose CT scans had a 20% lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who received standard chest X-rays. Your doctor may recommend getting an LDCT screening if you are considered at high risk for lung cancer.
How LDCT Screening Works
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) works much like an X-ray exam to produce pictures of your chest and lungs. This high-quality lung screening detects lung abnormalities but with 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan. If you have a high risk of lung cancer but no signs or symptoms, an LDCT screening could help you catch potentially cancerous spots at their earliest and most treatable stage.
Is Screening Covered by My Insurance?
Medicare now covers the cost of low-dose CT screening for high-risk patients. Many private health insurers provide coverage as well. Your physician will give you more specific details about eligibility and costs during your consultation.
Talk to Your Doctor About LDCT
Discuss your medical history and the risks and benefits of the screening with your physician. In order to be covered by Medicare, you must visit your primary care provider and have an order. Low-dose lung CT Screening is available at all 3 hospital locations: UP Health System - Bell, Marquette, and Portage.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:
UP Health System - Bell: 906.485.2636
UP Health System - Marquette: 906.449.3900
UP Health System - Portage: 906.483.1400
Remember… LDCT screening can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages but cannot prevent or cure the disease. The only way to stop cancer before it starts is to stop smoking. If you are ready to quit, talk to your primary care provider for guidance and helpful tips.
What You Need To Know
The majority of lung cancers are often caused by cigarette smoking and are usually not detected until symptoms develop. By that time, the disease is often more advanced, making treatment much more challenging.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States
- Over half of those with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed
- Low-dose CT scans provide earlier detection when lung cancer is most treatable and curable
What You Can Do
- If you are a smoker, STOP SMOKING (contact us for smoking cessation help)
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
- Make your home and work environment smoke-free
- Test your home for radon
- Be aware of industrial compounds
If you are still smoking, talk to your physician about ways to help you quit.