Lung Cancer Screening

 

Each year, lung cancer takes more U.S. lives than any other kind of cancer. But an annual screening for lung cancer has been shown to reduce the risk of death in high-risk individuals by 20 percent. Read on to find out whether a lung cancer screening may help you reduce your risk.

 

How Does a Lung Cancer Screening Work?

 

A lung cancer screening is quick and painless. A skilled technologist will guide you through the procedure as the low-dose CT scan takes detailed pictures of your lungs. Including preparation and consultation, the entire process takes around 15 minutes, though the scan itself lasts just a few.

 

Who Should Have A Lung Cancer Screening?

Ask your physician about a lung cancer screening referral if you:

  • Must be 50-80 years old
  • Must have a 20-pack year smoking history
  • Must have smoked within the past 15 years
  • Must have no lung symptoms (symptoms of lung problems include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood)
  • Have not had a chest CT over the last 12 months
 
 

To be eligible for a lung cancer screening, patients must be referred by their physician.

Early Lung Cancer Detection / Lung Cancer Screening Program

 

Our early detection lung cancer screening program provides a one-stop shop for at-risk individuals — staffed by specialists whose sole focus is on the prevention, detection and treatment of lung cancer.

The program includes:

  • One low-dose CT scan each year
  • A reading of the low-dose CT scan by a radiologist who is an expert in lung cancer
  • An appointment with a smoking cessation expert, if requested
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Preparing for a Screening & Your Results

Before your screening:

  • There’s no need to prepare the night before.
  • Please wear a mask and come at your scheduled time.
  • There’s no need to change out of your clothes during the screening.
  • Jewelry and electronic devices cannot be worn during the screening.

After your screening:

  • Your results will be provided to both you and your physician.
  • Follow-up with our team varies depending on the results of the screening.
  • If follow-up is necessary, we will schedule an appointment with your physician or one of our pulmonologists to discuss results and next steps.
 

Contact your primary care provider to learn more about getting a lung cancer screening or to learn more about the early detection program. Don't have a physician? Find one below.

 

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As part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Hendricks Regional Health is able to offer full access to the Mayo Clinic health library so you can learn more about lung cancer screenings and why they are critical to detecting lung cancer early. Spend some time in this valuable resource and then develop a list of questions to discuss with your provider at your next appointment.