Don’t Do it for You—Do it for Them
Some smokers view a lung cancer diagnosis as inevitable, or as a punishment for their decision to smoke. As a result, they avoid discussing their smoking habits and lung cancer screening options with their doctor.
Regardless of your current smoking status, lung cancer screening could save your life.
Lung cancer symptoms don’t usually appear until the later stages of the disease when it’s more difficult to cure. Lung cancer screening can detect disease during earlier stages when treatment may be more effective.
How is lung cancer screening performed?
Lung cancer screening is a noninvasive, painless imaging test that’s performed using low-dose radiation computed tomography (LDCT) technology, also called a low-dose CT. During the test, an imaging machine creates detailed pictures of your lungs. Your doctor checks these images looking for suspicious areas.
A low-dose CT scan is shown to improve lung cancer survival rates based on data from the National Lung Screening Trial.
Who should consider screening?
You may be eligible for a lung cancer screening if you meet the new criteria recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.
New Lung Screening Recommendation:
- Age 50 to 80
- Current or former smoker
- 20 pack-year history*
Your physician will help you determine your risk factors.
*A pack year is the number of packs smoked daily multiplied by the number of years smoking. Example: 1 pack a day x 20 years = 20 pack-years
Does insurance cover lung cancer screening?
Most health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover lung cancer screening for people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Virtua offers reduced rates for those without coverage. The test requires an order from a physician that may be provided by your family physician, internist or lung specialist.
Learn more about lung cancer screening
If you have questions about the program, call 856-247-7393. A lung nurse navigator will answer questions, assist you with referrals and help you throughout the process.
