Lung Cancer Screening

Early detection can help save lives. 

If you are 50 with a history of smoking, call the MVHS lung nurse navigator at 315-801-8588!

The Lung Cancer Screening Program offers the opportunity for patients to receive screenings that can detect lung cancer before any symptoms appear and help save lives of those at high risk for lung cancer. Participants in the program are screened on a regular basis and their health is monitored by a team of caregivers, including a lung nurse navigator, a cardiothoracic surgeon and a critical care specialist. The lung nurse navigator serves as a resource for participants throughout the program to coordinate care and work with their physicians to determine the best options for each individual participant.

Q: Am I a candidate for lung cancer screening?

A: If you meet the following criteria, you are considered to be at “high risk” for developing lung cancer and screening is recommended:

• 50-80 years of age
• 20 pack-year history of smoking (1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
• Current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.

If you meet the above criteria, call the MVHS lung navigator at 315-801-8588.

Q: Why is lung cancer screening only recommended for a certain group of people?

A: Experts look at the available data and use complex equations to determine who should be screened. If you are not in the high-risk group that means data has not yet shown that the benefits of screening outweigh your risks.

Q: Should I get a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer?

A: If you are at high risk, talk with your doctor about participating in the MVHS Lung Cancer Screening Program. Screening for lung cancer may save your life. There are some risks and not everyone should be screened, so discuss your complete health history and the benefits and risks with your doctor.

Q: What happens if I choose to get a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer?

A:  MVHS has a team of experts who will clearly explain the procedure to you. The team will tell you about all the risks and benefits of the screening and discuss what the results can mean and how they will follow up with you after the initial screening.

Q. What do the results mean?

A. A “positive” result means that the low-dose CT scan shows something abnormal. This is usually a nodule of a concerning size. You may need to have additional scans or other procedures to find out exactly what it is. The lung nurse navigator will discuss the next steps with you and your physician.

A “negative” result means there were no abnormal findings on this low-dose CT scan. It does not mean that you will never get lung cancer. The lung nurse navigator and your doctor can help you determine when you should be tested again.

There may also be an “indeterminate” result and your doctor may recommend watchful follow-up and further imaging at a later time.

The best way to reduce your lung cancer risk is to never smoke or stop smoking now. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit.