Lung cancer screening

What is a lung cancer screening?

A screening is a test given to people who have no obvious signs or symptoms of lung cancer. It is performed to identify cancer in its earliest stages when treatment can be most successful. Lung cancer screening uses low-dose CT scan to screen for cancer in just minutes. The test is painless and does not require any preparation or fasting.

A CT lung screening allows a radiologist to look at a series of detailed slices of the lungs and bronchial system, and can detect smaller nodules or cancer than standard chest X-rays. When cancerous tumors are detected at an early stage with CT screening, treatment can occur before the cancer spreads outside the lungs.

Is a lung cancer screening right for you?

Medicare and most insurance plans cover annual lung cancer screenings for people at high-risk beginning at age 50.

A low-dose CT scan is recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for those who:

• Are 50 to 77.
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years.*
• Are current smokers or quit smoking within the past 15 years.

*A pack year is used to describe the number of cigarettes you have smoked. To calculate the number, multiply the packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. If you smoked one pack a day for twenty years, you would have 20 pack years (1 x 20 = 20). If you smoked half of a pack each day for forty years, you would also have 20 pack years (.5 x 40 = 20).

Benefits of lung cancer screening

Lung cancer impacts men and women and is the leading cause of cancer deaths, killing more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer. The number of cigarettes you smoke per day and the age at which you began smoking impact your level of risk. Exposure to high levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos may also increase your risk of developing lung cancer, along with your family history.

Early lung cancer generally doesn’t cause symptoms, which makes detection difficult. The majority of lung cancers are found only after the disease has spread, making it challenging to treat. CT scans can identify nodules, or extra masses of cells growing on the lungs, which may be an indication of early lung cancer. Not all nodules are cancer. If any are found, additional tests can be performed following consultation with a primary care provider and a pulmonologist.

Schedule a screening

If you have interest in a lung cancer screening and meet the requirements, your primary care provider can order the test for you. Once an order is placed, you will be able to schedule the CT at the time and location that works best for you.

If you do not currently have a primary care provider, our referral specialists can assist you. Call 262-928-2745 or use our find a provider tool to locate one near you.

Getting your results

Your lung cancer screening will be reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. The results will be available in your MyChart account. Depending upon the findings, continued screening or additional testing and treatment may be recommended. Your primary care provider will also receive your results, and ProHealth Care’s lung cancer team is available for consultation and additional care if needed.

Locations

Lung cancer screenings are offered at the following ProHealth Care locations for your convenience:

• Brookfield: ProHealth Imaging Center, 18905 W. Capitol Dr.
• Mukwonago: ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital-Mukwonago, 240 Maple Ave.
• Oconomowoc: ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, 791 Summit Ave.
• Pewaukee: ProHealth Medical Group clinic, N16W24131 Riverwood Dr.
• Waukesha: ProHealth Care’s Imaging Services, 1111 Delafield St., Suite 112
• Waukesha: ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, 725 American Ave.