National Lung Cancer Screening Day 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for all adults, but it is highly treatable when caught early. Lung screening using a low-dose CT scan can save lives by finding lung cancer early in high-risk individuals, when it is easiest to treat.

That's why we're holding a National Lung Cancer Screening Day at Lourdes Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity to get a same-day CT scan of your lungs if you are at high risk for lung cancer.

Are you eligible for a lung screening?

• Are you you between the ages of 50 and 80?
• Do you currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years?
• Do you have at least a 20-year pack smoking history (for example: one pack a day for 20 years or a half-pack a day for 40 years)

What to expect

• You'll fill out a quick questionnaire about your health history and smoking habits.
• Then, you'll have a low-dose CT scan of your lungs. It's quick and painless, and only takes a few minutes.
• A radiologist will review the images and send a report to your doctor.

How to prepare for screening

• It's a good idea to receive counseling to quit smoking if you currently smoke.
• Talk to your primary care doctor about the benefits and limits of screening with low-dose CT scans.
• Check with your insurance provider to see if you need a referral for screening.

If you have a screening scheduled, please don't wear any metal or clothing items that contain metal from the waist up (i.e. jewelry, brassiere, etc.).

More than 90 percent of test results are negative (no cancer). The screening exam looks for lung nodules. Most people who smoke or live in cities have nodules, and 90 percent of the time, they're not harmful.

Once you have your first lung screening scan, you should return every year. It's important to get your scans regularly to make sure that if there are any changes, they can be detected and treated early.

Please call 798-LUNG (5864) to preregister for the event. Pre-registration, however, is not required.

For more information, please call our Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator at 798-LUNG (5864).