St. Luke's Lung Check

St. Luke's Lung Check is an effective screening to diagnose lung cancer and can find cancer at it's earliest stage. In 2015, 140 individuals were screened resulting in the diagnosis of seven cases of stage one lung cancer.

St. Luke's Cancer Care knows the best chance of a cure for lung cancer is early detection. That's why together St. Luke's Hospital and the Community Cancer Center have developed an accredited Lung Check program. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women and is typically diagnosed at a more advanced stage after the cancer has spread. By making this test available, we can diagnose patients sooner for a faster recovery.

Lung cancer screenings have been shown in a recent National Cancer Institute study to reduce the mortality of lung cancer by 20 percent in middle age and elderly smokers. The NCI's National Lung Screening Trial involved more than 53,000 current and former heavy smokers. St. Luke's Lung Check includes a chest CT scan which is a rapid, non-invasive test using low-dose x-rays which provides detailed, three-dimensional images of the lungs. The entire chest is scanned between 7 and 15 seconds.

Radiologists review images for the presence of small spots on the lungs, called nodules.

Lung Check is recommended for:

• Men or women between the ages of 50 and 77
• Have smoked at least one pack a day for 20 years or more or two packs per day for 10 years
• Current smoker or those who quit smoking less than 15 years ago and smoked one or more packs a day or 15 or more years

Take our quiz to see if you are a candidate for a lung screening

1. Are you between the ages of 50-77?
2. Do you have at least a 20 pack a year history?
3. If you no longer smoke, did you quit within the last 15 years?
4. Have you ever been diagnosed with any type of cancer?
5. Have you been exposed to a significant amount of second hand smoke?
6. Have you had prolonged exposure to asbestos or radon?
7. Do you have a family history of lung cancer?
8. Have you ever been diagnosed with a lung disease?
9. Have you had long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors or dust?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions you may be a candidate for a lung screening, please contact us at (319) 558-4876.

What does the testing include?

Lung Check includes a chest CT scan which is a rapid, non-invasive test that uses low doses of radiation to provide three-dimensional images of lungs in a matter of seconds. Participants are also given a lung cancer risk assessment, personalized cancer reduction and healthy lifestyle education as well as smoking cessation information.

Who should be tested?

St. Luke's Lung Check is for men or women between the ages of 55 and 77 who have smoked at least one pack a day for 30 years or more or 2 packs per day for 15 years or more. Those that quit smoking less than 15 years ago and smoked one or more packs for 15 or more years.

Where are the tests performed and how long will it take?

All tests are performed at St. Luke's during one appointment. Plan on the appointment lasting one and a half hours. The Lung Care Coordinator will meet with you prior to your test and confirm when your results will be available.

How do I know if I am at risk for lung cancer?

Men and women with a history of cigarette smoking have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than the general population. The more cigarettes smoked per day and the longer you have been smoking, the greater your risk of developing lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase your risk.

How much radiation will I receive with the CR Scan?

The amount of radiation used is very small. The amount of radiation associated with the Low-Dose Screening Chest CT is a fraction of that used with a standard chest CT.

Why should I have a Lung Cancer Screening?

Often, lung cancer is detected in its later stages, when it has spread throughout the body. St. Luke's Lung Check is able to detect and diagnose an underlying medical condition that you may have at an early stage to improve the treatment effectiveness and options. The images will be reviewed for the presence of lung nodules, masses, or other abnormalities suspicious for lung cancer.

Will insurance pay for Lung Check?

It is likely the cost of Lung Check will be covered by private insurance or Medicare or Medicaid; however pre-authorization may be required from your insurance company. Your family provider's office or lung care coordinator can help you to determine the coverage provided by your insurance. The screening may reveal medical conditions or findings where additional testing and or treatment will be needed. These additional tests or treatments will only be performed after obtaining your permission.

Can anyone help me stop smoking?

Yes. We know it can be very difficult to "kick the habit". We have a dedicated team of smoking cessation experts available for consultation upon your request. For additional information on techniques and methods to help you stop smoking, contact (319) 558-4876.

How can I make an appointment for Lung Check?

To schedule your appointment or for more information call the Community Cancer Center care coordinator at (319) 558-4876.

Don't wait for the warning signs...
Unlike some diseases, lung cancer can be diagnosed and treated with early screening and detection.

Podcast Episode: Lung Cancer Screening