Lung Cancer Screening

Early Detection Improves Outcomes

Request a Lung Cancer Screening Appointment

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, often because it is detected too late. It claims the lives of patients who, with an earlier screening could have saved their life. Early detection of lung cancer through a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan has proven to be effective in identifying lung cancer when it is most treatable.

What is a Low-Dose CT Scan?

Using a combination of X-ray techniques and computer technology, low-dose CT scans produce high quality images while reducing radiation dose. Radiologists individualize each CT scan, following low-dose radiation protocols to reduce radiation exposure by as much as 50 to 80 percent. The CT scanner uses an X-ray source similar to that used to obtain ordinary chest X-rays, however, the X-ray beam is so tightly focused that portions of the body outside of the scanned region get relatively little exposure.

The low-dose scan takes less than 60 seconds to complete. A computer creates 3D images of small sections of the lung that offer excellent detail and enable the detection of very tiny lung lesions that are often smaller than one centimeter. Radiologists who specialize in evaluating lung CT scans review the results.

Lung Screening Can Detect Cancer at Early Stages

Patients who are eligible and decide to get screened have a better chance of detecting lung cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. Generally, by the time lung cancer signs and symptoms are noticeable, the cancer is usually at a late stage. Detecting it early gives patients a chance for better outcomes. To learn more, talk to your doctor.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans for people who:

• Have a history of heavy smoking, i.e., history of “20 pack years” of smoking, where “pack years” is the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years
• Are between 50 and 80 years old

High-Risk Individuals Are Usually Covered by Insurance

The cost of low-dose CT scans are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans for individuals at high risk for lung cancer and meet certain criteria. If you think you may meet the criteria for screening please talk to your healthcare provider.

To find a lung cancer screening program near you, call (844) 226-2376 or click the button below.

Request a Lung Cancer Screening Appointment

To contact one of New Jersey’s best lung and thoracic cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or (844) 226-2376.