St. Elizabeth Hospital is now offering a low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening program to help detect lung cancer in patients who meet specific criteria.
In order to qualify for a lung screening, a patient must:
- Be between 55-77 years old;
- Have smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years;
- Be a current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the past 15 years;
- Show no signs of lung cancer;
- Have a physician order the test; and
- Undergo an educational session with the prescribing physician.
“Lung cancer makes up about 14 percent of all new cancer diagnoses each year, but many patients with the disease don’t have any symptoms at all,” said Glenn Griffin, Imaging Director at St. Elizabeth Hospital. “This screening has the potential to help save lives by detecting lung cancer earlier, which means patients have the opportunity to begin treatment sooner. It is just one more way we are advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier and keeping high quality care close to home for those we serve.”
According to the American Cancer Society, more people die from lung cancer each year than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor to determine if this test is right for you.
For more information, visit St. Elizabeth Hospital or call 970-542-4470.
