Lungs for Life Program for Current and Former Smokers
Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why lung cancer screening is crucial for individuals at high risk. At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA), our Lungs for Life Program is a comprehensive lung cancer screening approach that includes low-dose CT (LDCT) scans. These scans have proven to detect lung cancer earlier, which improves treatment outcomes.
Our Lungs for Life Program provides annual lung cancer screening to people who are current or former smokers and at high risk for lung cancer. Medicare and most insurance plans cover LDCT for lung cancer screening once a year. Request an appointment to find out if insurance will cover the cost of screening. The cost if you are paying for the test yourself is $250. Lung cancer screenings are available at HOA cancer centers in East Syracuse and Camillus.
Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?
Our Lungs for Life Program is intended for individuals who have an extended history of smoking. A lung cancer screening can detect the disease in its early stages when survival rates are much higher.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for people ages 50 to 80 years who:
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history and have quit within the past 15 years
A 20-pack-year history means smoking one pack (or about 20 cigarettes) per day for a year. This could also be equivalent to two packs per day for 10 years or three packs a day for 7 years.
If you meet the criteria above but are still unsure whether to discuss lung cancer screening with your doctor, consider taking this quiz.
If you don't meet the age and smoking history criteria, lung cancer screening is generally not recommended. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not advise non-smokers to get screened for lung cancer.
What Is a Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Cancer Screening?
A low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan or LDCT) is a special type of X-ray that captures multiple images of your lungs. A computer then combines these images to produce a detailed picture. While LDCT functions like a regular CT scan, it emits less radiation. Currently, LDCT is the only recommended screening test for lung cancer.
It's important to remember that lung cancer screening does not replace diagnostic testing for a person experiencing symptoms of possible lung disease.
Lung cancer screening should only be performed at a facility accredited by the American College of Radiology. Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is accredited by the American College of Radiology and uses a state-of-the-art low-dose CT scanner in our Designated Lung Screening Center.
What to Expect During a Lung Cancer Check
During the LDCT scan, you will lie on a table fully clothed. Before the scan, you must remove any clothing or jewelry near the chest area. The CT scanner uses a small amount of radiation to make detailed 3-D images of your lungs. The procedure is not painful and takes only a minute.
The entire screening process, including registration, takes approximately 15 minutes. The video below shows a short demonstration of LDCT.
Although this scan exposes you to a low radiation dose, low-dose CT scans use 75% less radiation than a traditional CT scan and show more detail than a standard chest X-ray. Experts agree that the benefit of early detection of lung cancer outweighs the risk.
The Importance of Screening for Early Detection
Lung cancer screening is a regular preventative health check, like a mammogram or a colonoscopy. Most people who undergo screening do not have cancer. The low-dose CT checks your lungs while you are healthy and looks for any changes from year to year. This information allows us to intervene at the earliest stage of the disease when remission rates are far greater.
Lung cancer is often detected at later stages, making it difficult to treat. Early detection through screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Lung cancer screenings are only for individuals with no symptoms of lung cancer. If you have symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, or hoarseness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Next Steps After Lung Cancer Screening
People who have an LDCT should have a follow-up appointment with a medical professional to review the results and make recommendations for future testing.
If your CT scan results are normal, it is recommended that you have another screening every year until you are no longer eligible. However, if signs of lung cancer are present, further testing will be needed. This may include additional screening at specific intervals or a biopsy. Biopsy results will officially verify whether cancer is present and what type of lung cancer it may be. You may also have the opportunity to participate in one of our prevention or screening clinical trials. The suggested next steps will depend on several factors, including the size, characteristics, and number of lesions or nodules found.
All screening patients are encouraged to share results with their primary care physician. With your permission, we will send the results directly to your primary care provider.
Based on the results, patients are welcome, but not required, to seek follow-up care with an HOA physician and Lungs for Life staff. The Lungs for Life team supports the care of patients with any lung disease from pre-diagnosis through all phases of treatment. They work with patients and their families to help overcome healthcare system barriers and ensure access to quality medical and psychosocial care. Additionally, the Lungs for Life team can facilitate referrals for smoking cessation programs at HOA.
Lung Cancer Screening Available in Central New York
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening if you are eligible. We offer the latest screening technologies, including state-of-the-art low-dose CT scans in our American College of Radiology-accredited Designated Lung Screening Centers in East Syracuse and Camillus. The cost if you are paying for the test yourself is $250. The sooner lung cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
If you have received a lung cancer diagnosis based on abnormal scan results or biopsy findings, we are here to provide expert and compassionate care every step of the way. Our lung cancer specialists work together to develop a personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
We accept many types of insurance and care for patients throughout Central New York, specifically in the Syracuse area, including Camillus and all of Onondaga County; in Auburn, and the rest of Cayuga County; Jefferson County, including Watertown; Madison County, including Oneida; Oneida County, including Utica and Verona; and throughout Oswego County, including Oswego and Fulton.
