Lung cancer screening

Low-dose CT screening is offered to patients who meet the following criteria:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old (Medicare/Medicare Managed Care patients age 78 to 80 are eligible as self-pay).
• Have greater or equal to 20 pack-years of smoking.
• (Pack-years = number of packs per day______ x number of years smoked_______).
• Are current smokers or have quit within the last 15 years.
• Have no symptoms of a lung condition at the time of screening.

Certain symptoms can be a sign that you have a lung condition, which needs to be evaluated and treated by your health care provider. Having any of these symptoms may affect the results of screening. The symptoms which could make you ineligible include:

• Fever
• Chest pain
• A new or changing cough
• New shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss

• Earlier detection of cancer
• Higher success rates of treatment
• Better survival rates

Radiation exposure: LDCT lung screening uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your lung. While radiation can increase a person’s risk of cancer, the benefits of the screening outweigh the risks of exposure to the small amount of radiation from this exam.

False positives: LDCT lung screening may find something in the lung that could be cancer but in fact, is not. This is called a false positive. To make sure these findings are not cancer, additional tests or procedures might be needed, which can have potential side effects.

False positives are frequently lung nodules. Lung nodules are small collections of tissue in the lung. Nodules are very common, and the vast majority — more than 97 percent — are not cancer. The most suspicious will be referred for more evaluation. Smaller and less concerning nodules can be followed.

Additional follow-up tests or procedures: These may include a chest CT, biopsy, PET/CT or other recommended tests as needed.

False negatives: No test is perfect. It is possible that you may have a medical condition, including lung cancer, that is not found during your exam. This is called a false negative.

Comorbidities: You and your doctor may discuss other health issues that could impact your decision to receive lung cancer screening.

The most beneficial tool in reducing lung cancer is to stop smoking.

Salem Health provides classes and support at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC).

OHA Tobacco Quit Line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

The primary goal of screening is to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage and save lives. If no abnormalities are found, screening is continued until your age or years of smoking cessation makes you ineligible. (See eligibility guidelines above). 

Lung cancer screening is now covered by most insurances as preventative screening at 100%. We suggest you contact your insurance about your specific coverage.

LDCT (non-contrast) lung screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have.

• No medications or needles are used.
• You can eat before and after the exam.
• You must be able to hold your breath for at least 6 seconds while the scan is being done.
• Although the actual exam time is about 10 minutes, please allow 45 minutes for the entire screening process.

A radiologist will review the LDCT, looking for abnormalities that might be suspicious for cancer. If no abnormalities are found, lung cancer screening is continued on an annual basis.

Your provider will be notified of your results within three to five business days. If you do not receive your results, please contact your provider.

If you have questions or concerns after receiving your results and would like to be connected to a nurse navigator, please call us at 503-814-1449.

Ask your primary care provider to make a referral to Salem Health scheduling at 503-814-5293. An appointment will be arranged at your convenience.