The lung cancer screening program at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona offers those with a high risk of lung cancer the opportunity to screen for and diagnose lung cancer before symptoms develop.
Why get screened for lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death-more than cancers of the breast, prostate, colon and pancreas combined. A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) showed that screening people at high risk for lung cancer with low dose computed tomography (CT) scans reduced lung cancer deaths by 20%. Another study estimates that early detection and treatment of lung cancer could save over 70,000 lives a year in the United States.
Is a lung screening right for me?
Lung cancer screening is not appropriate for everyone. Current and former smokers over the age of 50 are at greatest risk for developing lung cancer. An important consideration for screening is whether the level of individual risk is high enough for screening to be of benefit. Our physicians or your primary care doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of screening to determine what is best for you.
Am I at high risk for lung cancer?
You are considered high risk for lung cancer if you are over 50, have a heavy smoking history, and/or have a family history of lung cancer. Take the online lung cancer risk assessment to determine if you qualify for a lung cancer screening.
What is a CT and what are the risks?
A computerized tomography scan, commonly called CT or a CAT scan, produces detailed images of a person's body. The lung cancer screening program takes a low dose CT scan of your chest. The radiation dose that you will receive from a low dose CT scan is lower than that which you would receive from a normal CT scan of the chest.
What will this cost?
The cost for a lung CT is $199. This fee includes a session with our lung cancer screening doctor to go over your results. Currently, most insurance companies do not cover this.
What if I have an abnormal finding?
At St. Joseph’s, each abnormal finding is reviewed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. After review, our physicians will discuss the results with you and the best options for treatment or further evaluation.
What if you find something that isn’t lung cancer?
CT scans may pick up other findings that may help you and your doctor, for example: emphysema, infections, or calcification of the coronary arteries. We will notify both you and your doctor of any abnormal finding.
What can I do to decrease my risk of cancer?
The most important thing that you can do to decrease your risk of lung cancer is to stop smoking. Following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise are also very important. Please talk to your doctor for more information. If you need help with quitting smoking, please contact the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline at www.ashline.org or call 1-800-556-6222 for tips, counseling and a free quit plan.
Make an Appointment
To obtain more information or to make an appointment, call our toll-free number 1- 855-LUNG-SCREEN (1-855-586-4727) or fax our Referral Form to 602-406-3090.
Center for Thoracic and Esophageal Disease
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
350 West Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
