Lung Cancer Screening

Lung CT Scans Can Help Detect Lung Cancer Early

We're here to care for your lung screening needs.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute offers a Lung Cancer Screening Program centered around offering a yearly low-dose CT scan for those who are at an increased risk of lung cancer.

Criteria for lung cancer screening:

  • Individuals between the ages of 50 and 80
  • Current or former smokers with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, who quit no more than 15 years ago

Karmanos follows the USPSTF guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening.

Lung cancer signs and symptoms

Early lung cancer does not have any symptoms. The earlier lung cancer is found, the greater chance of a positive outcome.

It is important to see your health care provider if you have:

  • A cough that doesn't go away
  • A cough that causes you to bring up blood
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling of the face and neck
  • Arm pain or weakness
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss.

Who is at risk for lung cancer?

  • Smoking causes 80-90 percent of lung cancer.
  • Tobacco contains at least 60 cancer-causing substances.
  • The longer you smoke and more packers per day, the higher the risk of getting lung cancer.
  • Second-hand smoke (breathing in someone else's smoke) increases the risk of getting lung cancer.

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How does the Lung Cancer Screening Program Work?

Screening for lung cancer is a process, and cannot be completed with a single test. The data available show that individuals who do qualify for lung cancer screening should have a yearly screening low-dose CT scan.

  • Provider office visit - The screening process includes a visit with a Karmanos provider, a lung cancer specialist, to discuss risks and benefits of lung cancer screening.
  • CT scans - Those who are eligible for the program have annual low-dose CT scans.
  • Scan review - A Karmanos radiologist will review the patient’s CT scans for abnormalities and track any yearly changes. We will send the patient’s primary health care provider copies of the results.
  • Follow-up care - The radiologist may recommend a follow-up appointment with either a Karmanos specialist or primary health care provider for further tests.

What is a low-dose CT Scan?

A low-dose CT scan is a non-invasive medical test that uses x-rays to produce multiple images of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied and takes little time to perform. The screening test works just like a regular CT scan but with a significantly lower radiation dose, which decreases the risk associated with annual or more frequent examinations.

Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare for patients 50-77 years old and most commercial insurance plans cover it for patients 55-80 years old.

To enroll in the Lung Cancer Screening Program, please fill out the form or call:

Schedule an appointment 1-800-KARMANOS

Karmanos Lung Cancer Screening & Treatment Locations Near You

Your Best Chance at beating lung cancer

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, or if you need a second opinion, schedule a consultation with the experts at Karmanos. It is important to be evaluated by cancer experts before beginning treatment.

The Karmanos Thoracic Cancer Multidisciplinary Team is entirely focused on treating cancers of the chest, including lung cancer, and shares its collective expertise to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.

Cancer and Conditions Treated Include:

  • Lung - small cell and non-small cell
  • Esophagus
  • Mesothelioma
  • Thymus Gland

Our team of thoracic oncologists are among the best in the world. Team members are national leaders in chest malignancies.

In addition, our team devotes time to research investigations including screening and early detection of lung cancer and mesothelioma, detection and treatment intervention in precancerous cells from the sputum of smokers and combined treatments for locally advanced cancers of the chest.

At Karmanos Cancer Institute, you can be confident that you're in expert hands at one of the nation's top cancer centers.

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