Lung Cancer Screening

Breathe easier knowing that early detection can save lives

In the past, doctors diagnosed the majority of lung tumors at an advanced stage, resulting in fewer treatment options and poor survival. Now, because of low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, doctors are finding cancers at an earlier stage, when they are most treatable.

Lung cancer screening: Why choose us?  


Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer are critical to living a longer, healthier life. At Nuvance Health®, lung cancer specialists offer low-dose CT scans. 

These scans use little radiation to detect lung cancer before signs and symptoms ever show up. Screening is the most effective way to have an early diagnosis–and thereby early treatment.  

Chest CT of patient

Lung cancer screening recommendations


The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scans for all adults who: 
  • Have a history of heavy smoking, and
  • Smoke now or quit within the past 15 years, and
  • Are between 50 and 80 years old

Heavy smoking means a smoking history of 20 pack years or more. A pack year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, someone could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

Cancer screening can be discontinued once a person has stopped smoking for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or their ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.

What is a low-dose CT screening?


Lung cancer screening uses low dose computed tomography (LDCT). This is a CT scan with a low dose of radiation that is intended to locate lung nodules, some of which may be cancer. A low dose CT scan for lung cancer uses up to 90% less radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.


Research results indicate that lung cancer CT screening enhances early detection of lung cancer and significantly improves survival rates.

 

For more information on lung cancer screening, please talk with your primary care doctor or pulmonologist. 

To see if you are eligible for lung cancer screening using low-dose CT, please call us:

 

Connecticut

New York

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