Lung Cancer Screening Program
The Institute for Cancer created a Lung Cancer Screening program to address the prevalence of this type of cancer . Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women , taking more American lives than colon , breast and prostate cancer combined . This is due in part due to the late stage in which the cancer is diagnosed . Renown has offered a Low Dose CT ( LDCT ) screening for many years , despite most insurances not covering the cost . LDCT produces images of sufficient quality to detect many abnormalities using up to 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan .
In early 2016 , after research demonstrated that the LDCT saved lives through early diagnosis , the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ( CMS ) approved coverage for patients who meet screening guidelines .
The LDCT screening guidelines include individuals who are aged 55 to 77 years and meet all of the following criteria :
1 ) No active symptoms of lung cancer 2 ) A 30 pack-a-year smoking history
3 ) Current smoker , or have quit within the past 15 years
In March 2016 , our program implemented a LDCT screening program that met all the CMS criteria . Each patient who meets these guidelines is seen by one of our Advanced Practice Nurses for a shared decision-making visit to determine if screening is the best option . |
Christina Alsop , APRN |
Lillian Morton , APRN |
Since starting our LDCT screening program , we have performed 1345 referrals , screened 693 patients and diagnosed 7 early stage ( Stage IA or IB ) and 1 late stage ( Stage IV ) lung cancers .
Stage of Diagnosis |
2014 ( Baseline Lung Cancers ) N = 208 |
2016 ( Lung Cancers Diagnosed in Screening Program ) |
2017 ( Lung Cancers Diagnosed in Screening Program ) |
Stage 0 |
3 % |
|
|
Stage I |
26 % |
100 % |
50 % |
Stage II |
8 % |
|
|
Stage III |
19 % |
|
|
Stage IV |
46 % |
|
50 % |
| 4 |