Lung Cancer Screening
Each year, more Americans die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. Late detection is the biggest part of the problem—lung disease isn’t discovered early enough for patients to have the most effective treatments. More than eight of ten lung cancer patients don’t receive their diagnosis until the disease has spread and is in later stages.
Early Detection Means More Treatment Options
New television commercial shows the importance of catching lung cancer early.
Video
About the Program
Owensboro Health offers screening for lung cancer that includes a short risk assessment and a low-dose CT scan. Heart and lung surgeon Douglas Adams, MD, explains how the screening works and why it is important.
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- The program is modeled after the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)—a seven-year study that showed a 20 percent reduction in lung cancer deaths with low-dose CT (as compared to chest X-ray).
- The study’s findings indicate considerable reduction in death with a CT screening test in a randomized, controlled trial.
- The NLST, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, involved 53,454 patients and studied lung cancer deaths among current or former heavy smokers ages 55 to 74.
- Like the study, Owensboro Health will offer CT screening to anyone in the age group with a smoking history of at least 30 years—either current or former smokers—without signs, symptoms or history of lung cancer.
- Unlike the study, anyone screened will not receive a chest X-ray or periodic blood and sputum tests.
Eligibility
Lung cancer screening is not for everyone. It is designed for current and former heavy smokers of 20-30 years, ages 55 to 74. This group is at the greatest risk for developing lung cancer.
You do not need a physician referral but you must meet the eligibility criteria.
Payment and Costs
Insurance companies are still evaluating whether or not to pay patients for the CT scan. Owensboro Health will bill insurance providers but patients may have to pay out-of-pocket for the scan.
Patients will not be responsible for more than $250.
Your Next Step
Find out if screening is right for you. Call the Owensboro Health Call Center at 1-877-888-6647. A triage nurse will guide you through a series of questions to help determine if you meet the criteria for the screening. We can also set an appointment when you call.
Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
