Imaging Services

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide, with nearly 160,000 Americans dying from lung cancer each year.

Results of the National Lung Screening Trail showed that screening with low-dose CT compared to chest x-ray reduced lung cancer deaths among older heavy smokers by 20 percent. Improved detection at earlier stages, when lung cancer is more easily treated, is key to increased survival. If you are at high risk for lung cancer and you and your doctor determine that you should be screened, it is important that you receive your low-dose CT (LDCT) scan at a facility with staff who have expertise in lung cancer screening.

Following in line with annual preventive screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, lung cancer is now approved for an annual screening, if qualification criteria is met. If you fall in the high-risk category for lung cancer, you may qualify for this annual screening with a low dose CT. With board certified radiologists to interpret the study.

Qualification Criteria for Lung Screenings

1. Age 55 – 77 (Medicare Beneficiaries)
2. Asymptomatic – no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
3. Tobacco smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (one pack-year =smoking one pack per day for one year; 1 pack = 20 cigarettes)
4. Current smoker or has quit smoking within the last 15 years

For the initial LDCT lung cancer screening, a Medicare beneficiary must have a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision making visit with a physician or nurse practitioner in order to get the written order for the LDCT.

For more information, call (318)329-8590.