Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
拨打828.452.8740Stop Lung Cancer in its Tracks
If you 是 a smoker or a former smoker, a simple 筛选 at Haywood Regional could save your life.
Lung cancer is 的 leading cause of death in 的 U.S. 和 80 percent of cases occur in cig是tte smokers. Studies show that 肺 CT scans using low doses of radiation can effectively detect 肺 cancer in its earliest stages 和 most importantly, lower your risk of dying from 肺 cancer.
什么 is LDCT 肺 cancer 筛选?
LDCT (低剂量的 computed tomography) works much like an x-ray exam to produce pictures of your chest 和 肺s. This high-quality 肺 筛选 detects 肺 abnormalities but with 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional CT scan. If you have a high risk of 肺 cancer but no signs or symptoms, a LDCT 筛选 could help you catch potentially cancerous spots at 的ir earliest 和 most treatable stage.
When is LDCT 肺 cancer 筛选 recommended?
Early detection of 肺 cancer in high-risk patients is critical. You 是 considered high risk if you:
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- Are between 的 ages of 50 和 77 (Medic是 covers up to 77 years of age, but private insurance may cover up to 80 years of age),
- Have a 吸烟史 of 20 pack years (1 pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years),
- Currently smoke or have quit smoking within 的 last 15 years
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下一个步骤
我应该接受筛查吗？?
Discuss your history 和 的 好处 of 筛选 with your doctor. Your doctor will help you decide if 筛选 is right for you based on your age, 吸烟史, 和 o的r factors 和 will recommend a 肺 筛选 if necessary.
问 你自己 的 后:
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- Are between 的 ages of 50 和 77?
- Do you have a 吸烟史 of 20 pack years (1 pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)?
- Do you currently smoke or have quit smoking within 的 last 15 years?
如果你回答是, talk to your primary c是 provider about whe的r 肺 cancer 筛选 is right for you. Even if you answered no, you could still be at risk. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of:
- Radon or occupational carcinogen exposure
- Family history of 肺 cancer
- COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
- Personal history of cancer or lymphoma
Initial Consultation 和 CT Scan
If you would like to undergo a LDCT 肺 筛选, 的 first step is an appointment with your primary c是 provider. This appointment will be a time to discuss your age, 吸烟史 和 o的r factors in order for your physician to determine if you 是 eligible for 筛选. If you 是 eligible, your primary c是 provider will schedule your 低剂量的 肺 CT scan.
Follow-up: 什么 happens next?
Your medical provider will call you soon after your 筛选 to explain your results 和 discuss any additional necessary medical c是. If 的 CT scan were to detect any potentially cancerous nodules, ano的r 筛选 may be needed after a few months to monitor your 肺s’ conditions. 不管结果如何, annual 筛选s 是 recommended, as yearly 低剂量的 CT scans have been shown to decrease mortality in patients who had increased risk due to smoking.
Is Screening Covered By My Insurance?
Medic是 now covers 的 cost of 低剂量的 CT 筛选 for high risk patients. Many private health insurers provide coverage as well. Your physician will give you more specific details about eligibility 和 costs during your consultation. If you do not meet Medic是 criteria or have private health coverage, Haywood Regional offers LDCT scans at a reduced Self Pay cost of $200.
记得……
A LDCT 筛选 can detect 肺 cancer in its earliest stages, but it cannot prevent or cure disease. The only way to stop cancer before it starts is to stop smoking. If you think you may be ready to quit, talk to your primary c是 provider for guidance 和 helpful tips.
什么 是 的 好处 of 低剂量的 肺 筛选?
- Capable of detecting very small but potentially cancerous cells at 的 earliest stage for 的 least invasive treatment.
- Screening can aid in reducing 的 risk of dying from 肺 cancer by 20%.