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Lung Cancer Screening
Take advantage of quick, painless lung cancer screening at Essentia Health to find lung cancer early.
Ask for a Referral
Am I Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening?
You may qualify for a lung cancer screening, called a low-dose CT, if:
- Are 50-80 years old
- Don’t have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- Are a current smoker or quit smoking less than 15 years ago
- Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (One pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
Why Should I Get Screened?
Lung cancer causes more cancer-related deaths in the United States than any other type of cancer. Often, lung cancer symptoms don’t show up until the cancer has spread or is in an advanced stage. Screening helps detect cancer early even if you don’t have signs or symptoms. When lung cancer is caught early, it can be easier to treat.
Annual Screening
If you are at high risk for lung cancer, get yearly screenings until age 77 or until you’ve quit smoking for at least 15 years.
Low-Dose CT Screening
When you choose Essentia for your lung cancer screening, you’ll benefit from advanced low-dose computed tomography which uses low-dose radiation to make a series of detailed images of your lungs. Expect a quick, painless procedure. You don’t have to take any medicine, and we don’t use any needles.
Your Lung Cancer Screening Results
Trust our expert radiologists to read your LDCT scan. Sometimes LDCT scans show abnormal areas—called nodules—in your lungs. Most nodules aren’t cancer. If your screening finds a lung nodule, your doctor may recommend more diagnostic tests.
Lung Patient Navigators
Lung patient nurse navigators are available to guide and support you. If you need follow-up testing or treatment, your navigator will collaborate with your care team and coordinate your care. Rely on your Essentia lung patient navigator to:
- Answer your questions
- Offer emotional support and encouragement
- Arrange transportation to appointments, if needed
- Help you deal with insurance issues
- Provide follow-up after treatment
- Help you understand medical terms, test results, and treatment options
Is a low-dose CT covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance companies cover screenings as part of preventive care. Contact your insurance carrier for more information about your coverage.
Hear From an Essentia Low-Dose CT Screening Patient
Fran was a long-time smoker. After a horrible cough, she turned to Essentia for a low-dose CT scan. Tests showed Fran had Stage 3 small-cell lung cancer in her right lung.
Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer
Prevent lung cancer by quitting smoking. Quit with the help of smoking cessation experts at Essentia. Find effective ways to stop smoking, including counseling and nicotine replacement products.
Secondhand Smoke
Exposing nonsmokers in your family to secondhand smoke risks their health. Secondhand smoke causes them to breathe in nicotine and toxic chemicals the same way you do. There is no safe level of exposure.
Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, and it’s linked to other kinds of cancer, too. Quitting smoking can make your home safer for your family.
Current Clinical Research Studies
Talk to your doctor to see if you may be eligible to participate in a research study through the Essentia Institute of Rural Health. By participating in a clinical study, you may have access to treatments, medications and medical devices that are not widely available.
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Pulmonary Medicine
Breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of life with lung and breathing care from expert pulmonologists, or lung doctors, at Essentia Health.
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Patient Stories
Heel pain was ruining Curtis Sanow's active life. Curtis turned to Essentia for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative medicine treatment. Read his story.