Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Lung cancer screenings can help identify the disease in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Clearview Cancer Institute has a dedicated lung cancer screening team who will guide you through the process.
At CCI, a lung cancer screening is performed by a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). A low-dose CT uses a low dose of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. This screening is recommended for people who are at high risk for lung cancer, such as current or former smokers. The LDCT has been shown to be effective in detecting lung cancer at an early stage.
You may qualify for a lung cancer screening through the Clearview Lung Cancer Screening program if you meet the following criteria:
Be 50-80 years old
Be a current smoker with a 20-pack year smoking history
Have smoked within the past 15 years
Asymptomatic
If a lung cancer is detected through screening, you will be contacted by a dedicated member of the lung cancer screening team to discuss the finding and schedule further testing. This may include a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the lung for examination, as well as surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
It’s also important to note that quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, quitting now can greatly reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Finally, lung cancer screenings can be an effective tool in detecting the disease in its early stages when treatment is most likely to be successful. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, discuss a lung cancer screening with your doctor.