Lung Cancer Screening Program at Siteman

Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms, which makes regular screenings vitally important. Screenings also increase the likelihood of catching lung cancer in its earlier and more treatable stages.

 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States; deaths that could potentially be prevented by early detection through lung cancer screening, so learning if you are eligible for a screening is an important step to take now.

314-798-7806

Lung Cancer Screening Program

Often, if you are eligible for a lung screening, your physician will send a referral to Siteman Cancer Center. A Siteman team member will contact you to set up your appointment. If you have questions before your lung cancer screening, please call 314-798-7806. Screenings are simple and painless. The high-resolution images in a screening are similar to getting a chest X-ray.

Siteman Cancer Center’s lung cancer screening program identifies lung cancer at different stages in order to diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible. All cancers, when detected at earlier stages are more responsive to treatments. Our program anticipates patients’ needs and:

  • Encourages screenings for those likely to benefit
  • Follows U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and American College of Radiology guidelines on lung cancer screening
  • Dedicates a Nurse Navigator to assist with screening and follow-up
  • Uses thoracic radiology subspecialists at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology for precise interpretation of imaging
  • Standardizes reporting using the American College of Radiology Lung-RADSTM system
  • Delivers quick results with same day or next morning screening interpretation and results
  • Refers patients needing monitoring  to a Washington University thoracic surgeon automatically
  • Offer resources and support for those needing to quit smoking

Call 314-798-7806 to schedule your lung screening. Contact your doctor first for a referral.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Screening

Can I get screened for lung cancer?

If you are 50-80 years old and have a smoking history of 20 pack years or more, you can get screened for lung cancer.

What is a 20-pack year smoking history and what does it mean?

The “20-pack year” is a way to estimate lung cancer risk. It means the person smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years.

  • If you have smoked this amount or more, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening.
  • You can get screened even if you quit smoking, as long as you quit in the past 15 years.
  • Calculate your pack year history
What are the costs of a lung cancer screening?

Medicare currently covers the costs of lung cancer screening for eligible patients, and so do many private insurance companies. In some cases, you may have to pay part of the costs. Our staff can check on this information for you before your scan.

What if my results are abnormal?

Your results will be read by our world-class physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If your results require further assessment, you have access to Siteman Cancer Center’s multi-disciplinary team, including lung cancer specialists, who can provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options.

Are there risks associated with the screening?

All scans expose you to some radiation. But our team uses a low-dose CT scan, there is less radiation exposure than with traditional tests. It’s important to discuss these risks and other risks with your doctor.

What are low-dose CT lung scans?

A low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) image takes many pictures of your lungs, so a specialist can scan the images for cancer. Because this type of scan is “low-dose,” it uses reduced amount of radiation as compared to other CT imaging. During the scan, which takes about a minute, you’ll lie on a table while a technician performs the test. There are no needles used or contrast dyes used.

Do you need support to quit smoking?

Lung cancer and smoking are linked. Quitting smoking lowers your risk of getting lung cancer and other diseases of the lungs, heart, blood, and brain. But it is hard to quit on your own.

You can get FREE help quitting, at:

  • Washington University Center for Smoking Cessation: 314-747-QUIT (7848) or email [email protected]
  • Tobacco Quitline: Individual telephone counseling, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
  • SmokeFree.gov:  Supportive texts, smartphone application, calendar and more
  • American Cancer Society Quit for Life Program: 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (1-866-784-8454)
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Calculate Your Disease Risk™

The Your Disease Risk ™ assessment helps identify some health risks that are unique to you. It can gives tips on how to prevent lung cancer and offers other prevention methods you can start today. The tool gives women and men insights into their health. With specific information on 12 cancers and 6 chronic illnesses, developed by world-renowned experts, the Your Disease Risk (TM) tool makes finding reliable, helpful information easy.

Looking for more small steps that can improve your health now?

Take the Test

Schedule Your Lung Screening Today

Whatever your needs or concerns, Siteman is here to help you through it.
Call 314-798-7806 to schedule your lung screening. Contact your doctor first for a referral.

314-798-7806