Thoracic Surgery

Lung cancer symptoms don’t usually appear until the later stages of the disease when it’s more difficult to treat. Today, a more proactive approach to testing can detect lung cancer during earlier stages when treatment may be more effective and even curative. A low-dose CT scan provides a detailed view of the lungs and has been shown to improve lung cancer survival rates based on data from the National Lung Screening Trial.

Who should consider screening?

Those who qualify for lung cancer screening fit into one of two categories:

• Individuals 55-77 years of age current or former smokers with a 30 pack year history (a pack year is the number of packs smoked daily multiplied by the number of years smoking). Former smokers must have quit within the past 15 years.

• Individuals 50 years and older with a 20 pack year history and one additional risk factor. Additional risk factors include certain occupational exposures, cancer history and a disease history of pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis. Your physician will help you determine your risk factors.

Does insurance cover lung cancer screening?

If you have Medicare or commercial insurance, this screening may be covered. Call your carrier to verify.

Virtua offers reduced rates for those without coverage. The test requires an order from a physician, which may be provided by a primary care or lung specialist.

Learn more about lung cancer screening

If you have questions about the program, call (856) 247-7370 and press #2. One of our lung nurse navigators will answer questions, assist you with a referral to a primary care physician and help you throughout the process.