Screening is looking for cancer before symptoms occur. This is helpful in finding cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. If a screening test is abnormal, more tests may be done to find out if a person indeed has cancer.
Low-dose lung CT scans may be recommended as a screening test for lung cancer. A low-dose lung CT scan examines the structures inside the chest using X-ray transmissions that are converted to detailed images.
Lung cancer is often not detected until it is advanced and a cure is no longer possible. The only way to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages is through the use of a low-dose CT scan. Clinical trials have shown the likelihood of surviving lung cancer is improved with screening. Thus, it is recommended that people who are at high risk receive this screening.
Lung screening is recommended for individuals who:
- Are between ages 50 and 77*
- Are still smoking or quit smoking within the past 15 years
- Have a 20-pack year or more history of smoking.
A pack year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years an individual has smoked. For example, someone who smokes 1½ packs a day for 20 years would have a 30-pack year smoking history.
* Insurance coverage varies. Tricare now covers screening for ages 55-80.
Some insurance companies cover the cost of this screening; others do not. Please check with your insurance company.
Payment is due at the time your screening is scheduled. A form is available to submit your bill to insurance for possible reimbursement.
You may qualify for a free screening if you are uninsured or underinsured, with support from a grant from the Whedon Foundation. To find out if you qualify, call 406-238-LUNG (5864).
Individuals undergoing a low-dose lung CT scan will lie on a narrow table. They will hold their breath briefly as the table passes through the center of an open ring that rotates around during the test. As this ring rotates, high resolution crosssectional images of the lungs are captured to create a 3D image. The procedure does not use contrast dye, so it is non-invasive, painless, and typically takes less than a couple minutes.
Because X-rays are involved with a CT scan, there is some exposure to radiation with a lung CT scan. However, the benefits of an accurate and early diagnosis of lung cancer far outweigh the risk.
A letter will be mailed with general information regarding the CT scan results within a few days of the procedure and indicate if additional diagnostic follow-up is needed for any abnormalities. The referring provider will also receive a full report. If additional testing is needed, a patient care navigator is available to assist with scheduling these.
The best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking. Billings Clinic offers smoking cessation counseling to our patients who undergo lung cancer screening. For a smoking cessation appointment, please call 406-238-2500.
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