Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is the #1 leading cause of cancer-related death in America. The good news is that a screening is available that detects cancer early, when it is more likely to be treated before it spreads, dramatically improving lung cancer survival rates.
The Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState offers low-dose CT screenings, which have an advantage over chest X-rays for lung cancer screening because they can detect cancer at its earliest stages, including tumors that are as small as 1 centimeter. Early detection of lung cancer can increase the five-year survival rate by 20 percent.
Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?
Insurance covers low-dose CT scan for individuals considered at high risk for developing lung cancer. New, expanded guidelines were recently updated by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that reduce the lower limit of the screening age from 55 to 50 years and the minimum smoking history from 30 to 20 pack-years. CentraState offers a low-cost self-pay option for those who do not meet these requirements but may be at risk due to other risk factors, such as exposure to second-hand smoke. To qualify for insurance coverage, patients must:
- Be a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.
- Be asymptomatic (no symptoms of lung cancer). If you are experiencing symptoms, please see your primary care doctor or call 866-236-8727 for a referral.
- Have smoked a minimum of 20 “pack years,” which is the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
- Be between ages 50 and 80* (50 to 77 for Medicare patients).
- Have a prescription for a low-dose CT scan for lung screening, which can be provided by our team or your physician.
Participants should be screened annually for lung cancer and must meet all of the criteria to qualify for insurance coverage. Please contact your insurance company for age eligibility and coverage, as the expanded guidelines may not be covered by all insurances yet.
Self-Pay Options for Lung Cancer Screening
If you don’t meet all of the requirements, but think you may be at risk of lung cancer, low-cost, self-pay options are available. Contact us at 732-637-6365 for details.
Need Help to Quit Smoking?
CentraState’s Time to Quit, a smoking cessation program, can help you quit with help from certified health coaches and a proven method for success. Call 732-308-0570 or register for our virtual smoking cessation class.
