Are you at high risk for lung cancer?
| · | Are you a current or former smoker who smoked one pack a day for at least 10 years? |
| · | Have you had prolonged exposure to asbestos at home or at work? |
| · | Have you had prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke? |
Lung cancer has no symptoms in the early stages. Once symptoms occur, the disease has usually reached an advanced stage. Early detection of small treatable tumors is possible with a low resolution CT scan of the lungs.
What is
a CT scan?
A computed tomography (CT) scan is similar to an x-ray, but it takes many
more pictures from all angles. This special multidetector CT scanner can
see smaller abnormalities than are shown on a chest x-ray.
| · | The scan is painless. |
| · | It takes about 10 minutes. |
| · | You lie on your back on a table that slides into a round machine. Your head in not inside the machine. |
| · | You will be asked to hold your breath for 10-20 seconds. |
| · | The technologist performing the scan will stand behind a glass window during the procedure, but will be able to talk with you and see you the whole time. |
If you are between the ages of 40 and 80 and consider yourself to be in generally good health, you may want to consider a Lung Screening CT. For more information or to make an appointment call 1-866-488-LUNG (5864) or the Union Memorial Hospital Cancer Program Coordinator at 410-554-6590.
The cost
for screening is $75.00 and as yet is not covered by insurance.