Screening for Lung Cancer

The US Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, voluntary group of primary care and prevention experts, recommends low-dose CT scans to screen current or former heavy smokers who are at high risk of lung cancer. This recommendation is based on the results of a study that found a 20 percent reduction in deaths among those who had low-dose CT scans rather than chest X-rays.

“Screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scans can identify cancerous cells earlier and reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20 percent or more,” said Molly Brumfield, RN, BSN, MBA, OCN, manager of medical and surgical programs at the ECCC. “We developed this clinic to allow a time for qualifying individuals to be screened without an initial physician referral.”

The lung specialists at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC) now offer a Lung Cancer Screening Clinic the third Monday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible patients can schedule without a physician referral.

Those who qualify and could benefit from this important screening include:

• Patients between the age of 50 and 77 years old
• Active smokers
• Past smokers who quit the habit within the last 15 years

A nurse navigator evaluates all patients to determine if they qualify for the screening. Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare and by many private health insurance plans. Your health care team can help you find out if your insurance will provide coverage. To find out if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening CT, please call 304.399.6770.