Lung Screening Program
Detecting Cancer Early Can Save Lives
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. It kills more than breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer combined. Nearly 90 percent of patients with lung cancer die from it, in part because it’s discovered too late. We can reduce the number of lung cancer deaths if the cancer is found early, when it's most treatable.
Results from the National Lung Screening Trial showed lung cancer deaths fell by 20 percent when high-risk individuals were screened with low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scans compared to standard chest X-rays.
CT scans are very effective at detecting lung cancer in its early stages.
Early in the disease, lung cancer produces no signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get screened.
Medicare, Medicaid and many commercial insurance companies cover lung screening for high-risk smokers who meet certain criteria.
Who Should Be Screened?
You should get a lung screening if:
- You are 55 to 77 years old
- You have a smoking history of at least 30 “pack years,” meaning the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked; for example, one pack per day for 30 years is 30 pack years; two packs per day for 15 years is 30 pack years
- You are a current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years
- Signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, painful lungs
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway has been designated as a lung screening facility with low-dose radiation CT scanning. Low-dose CT means the scanner emits less radiation than conventional CT scans. Ask your doctor about getting a lung screening.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway has a low-dose radiation 64-slice CT scan with a radiation dose that’s considerably less than conventional CT scans.
Also know that we have full service follow-up imaging in the event of preliminary findings, including positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT). We have board-certified lung specialists and thoracic surgeons available for consultation.
Why Should People at Higher Risk for Lung Cancer Get Screened?
Stop Smoking Today
if you still smoke and need help quitting, we can help.
Call our Quit Center at (833) 795-7848 to be connected with a smoking cessation specialist who will help. Our program is free.
For low-dose CT lung screening appointments, call our central scheduling line at (844) 795-4968.
