(April 7, 2022)-Since 2013, Clearview Cancer Insitute has screened thousands of patients for early signs of lung cancer.

Of those scanned at CCI:

• 108 patients have been diagnosed with lung cancer through a low dose CT scan
• 51 patients have found cancer earlier, when it’s easier to treat, in Stage I or Stage II
  
  

In 2021 alone, 1,765 people were screened for lung cancer with a low-dose CT and 27 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer following the screen.

“Seeing that lung screening card in Dr. Bedoya’s exam room saved my life. I didn’t know anything about early screening and I was shocked when they called with the news that I had lung cancer,” said Ms. Marcel Byrd, a lung cancer survivor.

You may qualify for a lung screening if you meet the following criteria:

• Be 50-80 years of age (insurance guidelines vary)
• Be a current smoker with a 20-pack year smoking history (insurance guidelines vary)
• Have quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Be asymptomatic

Q&A

Why should I get screened for lung cancer?

• Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer
• Screening can detect cancer before symptoms develop or the disease spreads
• When caught early, lung cancer is easier to treat

How much does a lung cancer screening cost?

• If you meet the criteria, your insurance may cover the cost
  
  

Do I need a referral for a low-dose lung screen?

• Some insurance plans may require a referral
• For more information, please call the lung screening coordinator at Clearview Cancer Institute: 256-327-5792

What to expect

Before your screening
You will meet with your provider to discuss the benefits and risks of screening. If you decide on screening, your provider will order the screening and refer you to a Clearview Cancer Institute.  Your provider’s office will send a referral to Clearview Cancer Institute.  Our lung screening coordinator will call you to schedule.

During your screening
You lie on your back on a table while pictures are taken of your lungs. You shouldn’t need to change your clothes as long as they don’t contain metal.  No medicines or needles are required for the procedure.

After your screening
A specialist will read your scan and someone from Clearview Cancer Institute or your healthcare team will call you to discuss the result. If you have a negative result, you will continue with yearly screening. If you have a positive result, you may need additional scans or tests. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about the findings and what needs to happen next.

For more information, please call the lung screening coordinator at Clearview Cancer Institute: 256-327-5792