What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer Screenings

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States. But, early detection can make a major difference in treatment and survival. How does screening help and what can patients expect? Maureen Elliott, Imaging Patient Navigator at Riverside Healthcare, offers helpful information. 

Supporting Patients Through Screening

Elliott has spent her career helping patients through the imaging process. “I’ve worked at Riverside for about twenty-five years, primarily in the radiology department,” she shares. “My main role as an imaging navigator is to track and follow up with lung cancer screenings as well as abnormal imaging in the radiology department.” Her job is to make sure patients get the right follow-up care if something unusual appears on their scans.

Understanding Lung Cancer Risk

Lung cancer remains alarmingly common. It's estimated 227,000 people will receive a lung cancer diagnosis in 2025. It is the deadliest cancer and the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S.

The risk is higher for smokers, but not limited to them. “The lifetime chance of a lung cancer diagnosis is about one in sixteen people,” explains Elliott. “The more someone smokes and the longer they smoke, the higher their risk is. People who have quit smoking but have a significant smoking history are still at high risk.”

The Power of Early Detection

Lung cancer can go unnoticed until it reaches a serious stage. That’s why screening is so important. “It is key because it significantly improves survival rate and treatment options,” Elliott notes. Lung cancer often doesn’t show signs until later stages, making it harder to treat. Finding it early through screenings opens the door to a wider range of treatment options.

Who Should Get Screened?

Lung cancer screening is mainly for people who have a history of smoking. This includes anyone with the following criteria:
•    50 to 77 years of age
•    Current or former smoker, must have quit within the last 15 years 
•    Smoking history of at least 20 pack years—an average of one pack per day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years—and has no signs or symptoms.
Even if you quit years ago, you might still qualify. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.

What the Screening Involves

Elliott says the test is quick and painless. “It is a yearly imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to detect lung cancer in the early stages. This is before symptoms even appear in people that are at high risk, such as long-term smokers.” It works by producing detailed images of the lungs. This allows a radiologist to identify nodules or other abnormalities that might indicate cancer.

The exam involves lying on a table as it passes through a large donut-shaped scanner. The process lasts only a few minutes. Patients can get screened at any of Riverside’s convenient locations. This includes Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Frankfort, Watseka, or Coal City.

After the Screening

Results become available soon after the scan. “We’ll send you a letter, as well as getting your report off of MyChart,” states Elliott.

If the screening shows anything of concern, your care team will guide you through the next steps. “If a lung cancer screening detects something abnormal, such as a nodule, the next step may involve further testing,” Elliott shares. “Your doctor determines such follow-up.”

How to Schedule a Screening

Individuals need a physician’s order before scheduling an appointment. If you feel that you may qualify, contact your doctor about ordering the exam. Upon getting an order, you can call the outpatient scheduling department at 815-935-7531.

Take the First Step Toward Prevention

Elliott hopes more people take advantage of lung cancer screenings. Especially among those who may not realize they qualify. “Finding lung cancer early can save lives,” she emphasizes.

For more information about CT lung cancer screenings at Riverside Healthcare, visit myrhc.net/lungscreening.