A Low-Dose CT Lung Scan can help catch lung cancer early to help save lives

Each year, more Americans die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer, and late detection is a significant part of the problem.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 228,000 individuals across the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and that more than 142,000 individuals will die from disease within the year.

• Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.
• One reason why lung cancer is so serious is that, by the time you develop symptoms, it has likely already spread and become more difficult to treat.

If you are over the age of 55 and have a smoking history, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening in the form of a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan.

• The Low-Dose CT Lung Scan is a screening tool that can look for signs of lung cancer before you have any symptoms, which can help find cancer at an early stage which allows for a higher likelihood of successful treatment and the best chance for long term survival.
• According to the American Lung Association, studies have shown that a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan is the only lung cancer screening tool that reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer.

For this month’s ‘Check Up 13’ promotion, Ascension St. Vincent is offering a $99 lung cancer screening. Those who qualify will be evaluated by a provider who can then determine if you need a Low-Dose CT Lung scan. FACT: Most insurances will cover this lung screening. For those whose insurance does not cover the screening, or who do not have insurance, the screening is only $99.

A CT Scan can find signs of lung cancer before you have any symptoms. (Ascension St. Vincent / Gene Ford)

TO QUALIFY FOR THE SCREENING: (NOTE: The screening is simply a tele-visit with a provider. The provider will then determine if you need a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan. If so, he/she will order the scan.)

To be eligible for a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan, individuals:

• Must be in the age group from 55 to 77 years old
• Must be a current smoker or former smoker who quit within the last 15 years
• Must have an average smoking history of 1 pack a day for 30 years (or more) or 2 packs a day for 15 years

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FOR THE SCREENING?

• This screening is for those who met the qualifications and don’t have any symptoms.
• Based on qualifications, individuals who register online or call the Check Up 13 hotline number will speak to an operator who can verify qualifications for the screening.
• If an individual qualifies, they will then be scheduled for a telephone visit with a healthcare provider who will determine if a CT scan is beneficial for the patient and can review requirements for the screening and discuss insurance billing vs. the $99 self-pay option.
• During the scan, you can wear your own clothes and lie down on the table of the scanner. As you lay there, the table will slowly slide in and out of the scanner. The scan is painless and quick and should only take about 5 minutes.
• Individuals that qualify for and receive a Low-Dose CT Lung Scan will have their results sent to their primary care physician within approximately 24-48 hours. Your provider can then review your results with you and discuss recommended next steps.
• Because most insurance carriers can cover Lung screenings and Low Dose CT Scans for qualified participants, a provider’s order is required. If this is an uncovered benefit or if you do not have insurance, Ascension Medical Group will offer this service to you for $99.