The Importance of Getting a Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in adults. The American Cancer Society estimates over 2340,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year with 154,000 lung cancer-associated deaths in the United States. While prevention remains the most effective strategy for reducing lung cancer-related deaths in the long term, screening for lung cancer remains an important strategy for diagnosing and treating lung cancer.

"Who is eligible for a low dose CT lung cancer screening?

It is estimated that only 15 percent of eligible patients have been screened for lung cancer. The potential screening of lung cancers may increase the overall cure rate by diagnosing these cancers in the earlier stages of the disease.

The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan. The test only takes a few minutes and is not painful. During the test a machine uses low-dose X-rays to make detailed images of your lungs, which are carefully examined by a radiologist. Results of the scan help to identify abnormal nodules or other findings that may be suspicious for possible lung cancer.

If an abnormal finding or nodule is present on the low-dose CT screening, additional diagnostics including further scans or biopsies are often needed to determine whether an area of concern is in fact lung cancer.

Recommendations for lung cancer screening include:

• Patients who are in generally good health;
• Those at increased risk for lung cancer between the ages of 50 and 80 years old;
• Those at increased risk are defined as patients with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history, and either current or former smokers who have quit in the past 15 years;
• A commitment to follow-up and subsequent evaluation of abnormal findings.

One pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example a 20-pack-year smoker would be an individual who smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years.

How to reduce your risk:

The best way to reduce your risk for lung cancer is not to smoke and to avoid second-hand smoke. If you are a current or former smoker be sure to discuss lung cancer screening with your primary care doctor or pulmonologist at your next appointment. If you are determined to be a candidate for lung cancer screening, your doctor can refer you for screening at an appropriate facility. Most insurance plans and Medicare help pay for recommended lung cancer screening tests. Check with your insurance plan to find out what benefits are covered for lung cancer screening.

Catawba Valley Health System also has Interventional Pulmonologists experienced in using advanced techniques in diagnosing lung cancer such as endobronchial ultrasound and navigational bronchoscopy.

The Cancer Center at Catawba Valley Health System has a lung nodule program and performs over 1,000 annual screenings each year. For more information or to see if you're elidgable for a Low Dose CT Scan, speak with your primary care provider.

Does Insurance cover lung cancer screening?
Many private insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage are changing whether or not they will pay for all or part of for lung cancer screening. It is also possible that further testing may be required. These costs may or may not be covered by one’s insurance plan.