Lung Cancer Screening Program

UPMC Northwest offers a lung cancer screening program for smokers that consists of an educational session followed by a low dose lung CT scan

A recent landmark study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that screening using a CT scan of the lungs may be able to detect cancerous tumors early, potentially reducing lung cancer mortality in smokers by up to 20 percent.

The results of the scan, which will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist, will be sent to you and your doctor. Depending on the results, you will be advised about the need for continued screening or additional testing and treatment. The cost for the screening is covered by insurance.

Eligibility requirements for lung cancer screenings:

• Patients between the ages of 50 and77
• Current smokers with a 20 pack-year history of smoking (1 pack per day for a year = 1 pack-year)
• Former smokers who have quit within the last 15 years
• No prior history of cancer

The lung cancer screening program has additional eligibility requirements For more information, talk to your primary care physician or call the nurse navigator at 814-676-7746 to find out if you are eligible for the screening.

Learn more about the UPMC Lung Cancer Screening Program.