GMH is now offering low-dose CT scanning for lung cancer screenings. Low-dose CT scans use lower amounts of radiation than standard chest CT imaging and create detailed images of the chest and lungs to help detect cancer in people who may not show any symptoms. The CT scan takes only minutes to perform and does not require any IV’s or Contrast.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the American Lung Association, the average lung cancer five-year survival rate is 18.6 percent. Yet only 16 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, and more than half of the people with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed. Lung cancer accounts for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths.
The main benefit of screening is a lower chance of dying from lung cancer, which accounts for many deaths in people who currently smoke or formerly smoked. Approximately 85 percent of cancerous lung nodules found in early screening tests are in stage 1 cancer. Typically, lung cancer is not found until stages 3 or 4. Early detection of lung cancer with a low-dose CT screening can drastically improve the long-term survival rate.
Patients must meet the following CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) criteria to be eligible for the screening:
- Age 50-77 years
- Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer) and a Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year; 1 pack = 20 cigarettes)
- Current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years; and,
- Receive an order for lung cancer screening with LDCT
A patient must also receive Counseling and a Shared Decision-Making visit with their Primary Care Provider before their first lung cancer LDCT screening. This counseling and shared decision-making process can also be completed through the WVU/GMH Cancer & Infusion Center. A low-dose CT scan requires a physician referral. If you think you meet the criteria to receive a low- dose CT scan, talk to your doctor about scheduling an appointment at Grant Memorial Hospital at 304-257-1026, ext. 2250.