CT Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. It causes more deaths than colorectal and breast cancers combined.

By the time symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, develop, lung cancer may have spread outside the lungs, greatly reducing the likelihood of a cure.

Early detection is key.

Why choose CT lung cancer screening

Studies have shown that low-dose chest CT scanning is a valuable tool for detecting lung cancer before symptoms develop and at its earliest and most treatable stages. Annual low-dose CT scans for current and former smokers may reduce the risk of lung cancer death by as much as 20%.

Your health care provider will work with you to assess whether you are a good candidate for CT lung cancer screening. The general criteria include:

• Age 50 to 80.
• Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years.
• Smoking history of 20 or more “pack years.”
• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

Scheduling and cost

To schedule CT lung screening at Adventist Health Portland:

• Visit with your primary care provider so you can make a decision together about whether you would benefit from such screening.
• If CT lung cancer screening is right for you, your provider will order the screening.
• Once we receive your provider order, our patient schedulers will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment.

Medicare and most private health insurers cover lung cancer screening with low-dose chest CT scans for patients who meet the criteria. If you are uninsured, contact us for the cash-pay price.