FAQ about Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
About Lung Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths amongst men and women in the United States. Each year, more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Usually symptoms of lung cancer do not appear until the disease is already in an advanced stage, often an incurable stage. Some lung cancers are diagnosed early because they are found by accident as a result of tests like a chest x-ray or CT for other medical conditions. Even when symptoms of lung cancer do appear, many people may mistake them for other problems, but at that point it may be too late. Early detection is always preferred for the best outcomes. Published data has indicated that a low radiation dose CT (LDCT) is capable of detecting abnormalities, including those suggestive of lung cancer, in asymptomatic high-risk individuals more accurately than a chest x-ray.
For more detailed information about lung cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at http://www.cancer.org/index
Which patients should consider getting a Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening using Low Dose CT is considered medically appropriatefor high risk individuals. High risk individuals are defined as:
Between age 55-80 years with 30 pack year history of smoking cigarettes, you have no symptoms, who are either:
- a current smoker; or
- have quit smoking within the past 15 years.
Why Low Dose CT Vs. Standard CT or a Chest X-ray?
Standard CT scans of the chest provide more detailed pictures than chest x-rays and are better at finding small abnormalities in the lungs. Low-dose CT of the chest uses lower amounts of radiation than a standard chest CT but it is more than the dose from a chest x-ray. So LDCT is a balance, offering the detail closer to standard CT with the radiation dose closer to a chest x-ray.
Do all imaging centers provide Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?
No. Not all imaging centers have Low Dose CT scanners. Screening should only be done at facilities that have the right type of CT scanner and have developed a proper Low Dose CT imaging protocol specific for Lung Cancer Screening. University Medical Imaging was the first to provide Low Dose CT to the Rochester Community in 2006 and is the community leader in reduced dose CT.
Is this test right for me?
Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening is not recommended for everyone. Individuals interested in screening should weigh the currently known benefits of LDCT with the currently known limitations and risks and make a decision as to whether they should be screened for lung cancer. Talk to your doctor about your Lung Cancer risk and whether the Low Dose CT Lung Screening test is right for you.
Is this covered by Insurance?
Some private insurers may or may not cover CT Lung Screenings. Consult with your individual insurance to determine coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) do not currently cover CT Lung Screenings even in people with high risk of lung cancer. UMI will be happy to accept a self-pay fee with a physician referral. Self-payment is required in full before the CT is performed if not covered by insurance.
How do I schedule a CT Lung Screen?
If you are a patient who meets the CT Lung Screen criteria call (585) 341-9100 to schedule an appointment. The following are required for scheduling, a physician referral (order) and insurance authorization if your insurance requires it. We can also assist you with self payment fee information.