Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program
MidState Medical Center is proud to offer a Lung Cancer Screening Program in its community. Guidelines from a number of leading medical organizations, including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, suggest that a patients’ smoking history can be used to identify those at high risk for developing lung cancer. High risk individuals who participate in a lung cancer screening program, including screening lung CT, may have a 20% reduction in mortality from cancer.
Program Criteria
As part of our Lung Cancer Screening Program, MidState is offering patients one low-dose lung CT scan at no cost. Patients must meet the following appropraite guidelines for screening:
- Be a current or former smoker (former smokers having quit within the last 15 years)
- Be between the ages of 50 and 74 and healthy enough to undergo treatment
- Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
- Have no history of lung cancer
- Be between the ages of 50 and 74, have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years and a second risk factor such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, family history of lung cancer or occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals
Considerations for Screening
Prior to having a screening lung CT, patients should discuss the following with their doctor:
- Their health history, including possible co-morbidities
- Any symptoms of lung disease or lung cancer
- The benefits, risk and possible follow-up procedures that may result from screening
- The smoking cessation resources available in your community
Obtaining a Referral
A referral from your doctor can be made via phone or fax by contactiing Denise Jones-Gagne at 203-694-8631 (phone) or 203-694-7630 (fax). Scans will be read by a board certified radiologist using the LungRads reporting system. Your doctor will receive a report along with recommendations for follow-up.
