Lung Cancer is the number one cancer killer in America claiming more lives than colorectal, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer combined. Without early detection screening, over 95% of lung cancer patients eventually die from the disease, usually within a few years of diagnosis. Annual Low Dose CT Lung Screenings can aid in finding lung cancers in their earliest stages, when up to 90% can be cured.

The Low Dose CT Lung Screening is an exam with the ability to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable. It consists of a low dose, non-contrasted CT that uses X-rays to scan the entire chest in about five to ten seconds during a single breath hold. The exam takes about 15 minutes in its entirety to complete.

This exam is for patients that are at high risk for lung cancer. Patients at high risk possess the following characteristics and should participate in a shared decision conversation with their physician.

• Individual 55-80 years of age for most commercial insurances
  (Government Payers will not cover after age 77)
• At least a 30 pack/year smoking history
  (Calculated by the number of packs per day multiplied by the number of years as a smoker)
• Current smokers or former smokers who quit within the last 15 years.

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for CT Lung Cancer Screening, you can use the Lung Cancer Risk Calculator at http://www.shouldiscreen.com.