Download LUNG CANCER SCREENING Early Detection Can Save Your Life

Lung cancer causes more deaths in the
United States than any other type of cancer
because early lung cancer often does not
cause symptoms. Lung cancer screening for
patients at higher risk can find cancer at an
earlier stage, when a cure is more likely.
A recent nationwide trial showed low-dose
spiral computed tomography (LDCT) scans
are better than chest x-rays at finding earlystage lung cancer.
Screening with LDCT decreases the risk of
dying from lung cancer.
Summit Diagnostic CT Centers
(865) 588-8005
Who should be screened
for Lung Cancer?
Deane Hill
7211 Wellington Dr. (lower level)
Knoxville, TN 37919
People ages 55-77 years old with:

History of 30 or more smoking pack years *

Currently smoking or quit within past 15
years

No symptoms of lung cancer and no history
of any cancer within the last five years
(*Pack years = # of packs smoked per day x
Fountain City
103 Midlake Dr (lower level)
Knoxville, TN 37918
number of years smoked )
Call your primary care physician today
to find out if lung cancer screening is
right for you.
www.summitmedical.com
Diagnostic Imaging
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
Early Detection
Can Save Your Life
Why is it important to screen for
lung cancer?
Early detection of lung cancer through
CT screening significantly decreases
lung cancer deaths. Screening can find
cancer at an earlier stage, when it is easier
to treat. Screening may also find diseases in
the chest other than lung cancer that may
need to be treated.
How is screening done?
Screening is done with a low-dose spiral
computed tomography scan (LDCT). This
scan is similar to a regular CT scan, but less
radiation is used. Neither drinking contrast
nor injections are required. You lie flat on
the CT table, and the machine scans over
your chest during one breath hold. It is
simple, easy, safe and does not hurt.
When will I get the results?
CT will be interpreted by our team of experienced radiologists. You will receive your
results within a few days from your primary
care physician. An appointment will be
scheduled to discuss an abnormal scan.
How much does this CT Scan Cost?
What are we looking for?
Starting January 2015, Medicare and most
private insurances are required to cover Lung
Cancer Screening CT at 100% in high risk
individuals. If not covered by insurance, the
exam may be performed on a self pay basis.
The low dose CT scan provides the clearest
image of the lung tissue. The screening is
looking for lung nodules.
What are the risks of screening?
• LDCT scanning exposes you to a small
amount of radiation, equal to about 10
chest x-rays.
• LDCT scans cannot tell if an area of concern is cancerous or not. To find out if
cancer is present, you may need more tests.
• LDCT scans may not find a cancer that is
present.
• Not all lung cancers are the same. Some
slow-growing cancers may never result in
death and aggressive treatment may not be
necessary.
• Finding something abnormal on the scan
may cause you distress and affect your
quality of life. However, most of the scan’s
findings are not cancer.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits
of screening before getting the exam.
The easiest way to prevent lung
cancer is to stop smoking!
IF YOU QUIT SMOKING TODAY….
 Blood Pressure may return to normal
 Walking becomes easier
 Smell and Taste are enhanced
 Cough and shortness of breath decrease
 Risk of coronary disease decreases to 1/2
that of a smoker
A nodule is a small rounded spot that looks
like a white shadow on the CT scan
 Nodules are common, and most are noncancerous (over 97%)
 A nodule can, however, represent early lung
cancer

Are follow up tests required?
If an abnormality is detected, follow up CT or
other testing may be recommended.
After initial screening, patients should receive
yearly screenings. We track any changes to the
nodules’ features from year to year. We will
notify patients and their doctors when a followup CT scan is needed.
How the radiologist helps
Our radiologists determine if the nodule has
any worrisome features. Based on how the
nodule looks, they decide when follow-up
imaging or other tests are necessary. If the
CT scan suggests a high probability of lung
cancer, additional tests will be performed.
Every case is different. Your primary care
provider will discuss treatment options and
referrals when needed.
What if it’s lung cancer?
If further tests confirm lung cancer, we will coordinate care with specialists to create a personalized treatment plan for you.