Lung Health and Screening Program
New Guidelines
Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer now available starting at age 50 with a 20 “pack-years” smoking history*.
*Reduced from age 55 and a 30 pack years” smoking history.
This screening can help detect lung cancer at an early stage in current or former heavy smokers.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (UPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in high-risk individuals (Grade B recommendation). As part of our ongoing commitment to preventive care, ChristianaCare now offers lung screenings for your patients who have a history of heavy smoking. Our Lung Health and Screening Program offers:
- A dedicated nurse navigator to assist with the entire screening process, from scheduling to following up with test results.
- A low-dose CT lung scan–a protocol that was found to be effective in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) performed according to the American College of Radiology guidelines.
- A multidisciplinary team, when appropriate, to assist with abnormal findings, referrals and follow-up.
You may qualify for the lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 through 80 years of age AND
- Have a history of heavy smoking* AND
- Are current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years AND
- Haven’t received a CT scan of the lungs in the past 12 months.
*Heavy smoking is defined as a smoking history of 20 “pack years” or more. A “pack year” is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
Additional information:
For more information or to sign up for an appointment with the Nurse Navigator, click the registration button or call 302-623-CARE (2273).
