Lung Cancer Screening Program

 

Download the CT Lung Cancer Screening Order Form

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women. This year, an estimated 228,150 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer. When caught early, before spreading to other organ systems, lung cancer can be highly curable. However, lung cancer symptoms do not usually present until it is in an advanced stage.

Early Diagnosis Improves Survival Rates.


The San Antonio Regional Hospital Lung Screening Program offers LDCT (low-dose computed tomography) scans to people with a high risk of developing lung cancer. LDCT scans are the preferred screening test for lung cancer, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because they have reduced lung cancer mortality rates by 20%. These scans are capable of detecting early-stage lung cancer in 64-85% of cases. Unfortunately, only a small percentage (4.4%) of those who qualify for the screening actually receive it.

Eligibility

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT (low-dose computed tomography) for people who:
  • Have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history, and
  • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and
  • Are between 50 and 80 years old.
A pack-year is defined as smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20-pack-year history of smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

Insurance

Many health insurance plans cover LDCT for lung cancer screening. Check with your insurance plan to find out what benefits are covered for lung cancer screening. For more information about Medicare coverage, visit www.medicare.gov or call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1 (877) 486-2048.

Oncology Nurse Navigation

San Antonio’s Oncology Nurse Navigator also assists patients who qualify for LDCT through the Lung Cancer Screening Program to ensure timely and comprehensive follow-up.

Results

Nodules are rated based on the Lung-RADs criteria, standardizing reporting and follow-up recommendations. Additional testing may be recommended, including bronchoscopy, sputum cytology, and/or biopsy.

Prevention


Smoking cessation is crucial in preventing lung cancer. Tobacco smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for developing lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes increases your chance of developing lung cancer by 4-5 times and accounts for 85% of all lung cancer-related deaths. Approximately 36.5 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes.

Resources 

Smoking cessation requires proper treatment and support. The following resources provide smoking cessation Information:

American Cancer Society

American Lung Association

GO2 Foundation

LUNGevity

Get Your Screening
Speak to your physician to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements and schedule a screening.

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