Current and former cigarette smokers can be screened more effectively for lung cancer with Mather Hospital’s Lung Cancer Screening Program. National studies have shown that low dose CT screening can detect lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who are high risk. You may be eligible for lung screening if you are:
- 50 – 80 years old AND
- Have at least a 20 “pack year” smoking history (average of one pack a day for 20 years), and
- A current cigarette smoker or former cigarette smoker who quit within the last 15 years.
This annual screening is covered by most insurances with no out-of-pocket expenses. Determine if you’re eligible for a free screening.
How do I schedule a lung cancer screening?
You can speak to your physician to determine if you meet the screening criteria. A prescription from your physician is required for a lung cancer screening CT. Once you have your prescription, contact Mather Hospital’s Lung Cancer Screening Program at (631) 686-2500 to schedule your screening.
What is the process?
- Prior to your appointment, you will speak with the program’s advance care practitioner (ACP) who is either a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Together you will discuss the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening and determine whether the screening test if right for you.
- Your low-dose CT scan will take about two minutes and look for early stage lung cancer.
- Your results will be reviewed by our team of screening experts.
- After the screening, you will be contacted by your physician to discuss the results.
If I have a lung nodule, does that mean I have or will develop lung cancer?
Not necessarily. According to current studies, more than 95% of initial lung nodules are non-cancerous.
Why should I have the screening done at Mather Hospital?
Mather’s three CT scanners perform low dose scans with exceptional clarity. Our Lung Cancer Screening Program follows a protocol that minimizes and monitors radiation exposure for all CT scan studies. Our team will explain the entire screening process and assist you along the way with scheduling an appointment, follow up, and smoking cessation counseling, if necessary. We are an American College of Radiology (ACR) Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center and are accredited by the ACR and The Joint Commission, a national organization that assesses healthcare provider quality and patient safety.
Read patients’ success stories who benefited from Mather Hospital’s Lung Cancer Screening Program.
