Smoking increases the risk of medical problems, like lung cancer. Recent research has shown that annual scans can detect tumors while they’re early-stage and highly treatable. Unfortunately, most smokers still don’t realize screening is available and could save their lives. In fact, less than two percent of eligible smokers have undergone screening.
Who should be screened?
If you are…
- between ages 55 and 75,
- smoked around one pack per day for thirty years or two packs per day for fifteen years, and
- a current smoker, or former smoker who quit in the past 15 years
…then you’re probably eligible for screening.
These guidelines have been endorsed by the American Cancer Society, United States Preventative Services Task Force, American College of Chest Physicians, and more. The bottom line: there’s wide consensus among doctors that this is a good idea.
If your parent or friend fits this description, be sure to share this article with them.
What does screening consist of?
The screening test itself is just a CT scan (also known as CAT scan) of the lungs, repeated once per year. The scan takes about five minutes, involves minimal radiation exposure, and doesn’t require an IV or blood draw.
There is, of course, a small risk of false positives – meaning doctors may find abnormalities that require further testing but turn out not to be cancer. That’s true, however, with all screening tests, including colonoscopies and mammograms.
How much does it cost?
If you have health insurance, you can likely get lung cancer screening for free, regardless of your deductible.
If your plan doesn’t cover screening, or you don’t have insurance, use Medmo to get screened at the price that works for your budget.
To book a scan, visit us at Medmo.com. Medmo helps people schedule radiology imaging tests – such as MRI, CT scans, PET, and more – at nearby accredited centers and identify the payment solution that works best for them.
Ready to get started?
Here’s what you’ll need to schedule an appointment
1. Imaging referral / prescription
2. Your contact information
3. Insurance OR card information