Doctors recommend a screening test to find lung disease early, when treatment may be more successful.
The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). During the scan, you lie on a table and an x-ray machine uses a low dose (amount) of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs.
Who Should Get a Lung Screening?
A low dose CT screening is recommended for those that fall into the categories below:
- Adults aged 50-80 years
- 20 pack-year smoking history
- Current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years
Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.
Lung Screening Details
- The scan only takes a few minutes and is not painful
- The scan does require a physician referral
- Insurance will likely require prior authorization
The Prairie Lakes Primary Care providers, along with our Specialty Care teams, are working diligently to promote annual lung screenings as part of an annual wellness exam for those that fit the criteria above.
Dr. Daniel Reiffenberger, Chief Medical Officer