The US Preventive Services Task Force, an independent, voluntary group of primary care and prevention experts, recommends low-dose CT scans to screen current or former heavy smokers who are at high risk of lung cancer. This recommendation is based on the results of a study that found a 20 percent reduction in deaths among those who had low-dose CT scans rather than chest X-rays.
"Sadly, nearly 90% of people who develop lung cancer dies from the disease, in part because it is not found until it is at an advanced stage," said Dr. Virginia Moyer, the chairwoman of the US Preventive Services Task Force. "By screening those at high risk, we can find lung cancer at earlier stages when it's more likely to be treatable."
The lung specialists at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center are offering a low-cost and potentially life-saving opportunity for certain people to be screened for early detection of lung cancer. Those who qualify and could benefit from this important screening include:
A nurse navigator evaluates all patients to determine if they qualify for the screening. Patients who meet the criteria can receive a low-dose CT Scan at a reduced cost of $75 because most insurance companies do not cover these screenings.
Please call 304.691.1689 to learn more.