Palm Beach Florida Weekly

Breathe Easy: Get CT Screening for Lung Cancer





 

 

November is lung cancer awareness month, a time when we consider a hard reality — it’s estimated that 158,080 Americans will die from lung cancer in 2016. This human toll accounts for almost 27 percent of all cancer deaths. The most dangerous fact about lung cancer is that symptoms typically do not present themselves until the late stages. That’s why screening examination is crucial for those considered at high risk of the disease, even before symptoms begin.

In the world of preventive medicine, screenings are tests designed to detect early disease or risk factors for a health condition in an otherwise healthy individual. By contrast, a diagnostic test is a procedure to confirm or rule out the presence of disease in someone who is actively experiencing symptoms. This means if you’re a current or former smoker or someone with a family history of lung cancer — in other words, someone at increased risk of the disease — you shouldn’t wait for a cough, wheezing or chest pain before you think about taking action.

K. ADAM LEE, MD

K. ADAM LEE, MD

Individuals who are showing no signs of disease, but are known to be at higher risk for developing lung cancer, should seek out low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening. CT technology is proven to aid in finding lung cancers in their earliest stages, when more than 80 percent of cases can be cured. If you’re a current or former smoking, getting a low-dose CT lung scan at Jupiter Medical Center gives you the power to safeguard your health.

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers a lung CT once per year for those who meet Medicare’s screening criteria. Commercial insurance may cover the screening but qualifying criteria and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan. At Jupiter Medical Center we offer CT lung screening for $99, which includes consultation with the radiologist, the exam, the radiologist’s interpretation, and a consultation with the thoracic surgeon, if needed. A physician’s order may be required for this exam and our patient navigator will facilitate this process, when necessary.

You may be a candidate for CT lung screening if you are NOT currently experiencing any symptoms AND you answer yes to the questions in this risk assessment.

¦ Are you age 40 or older?

¦ Are you a current or former smoker?

¦ Have you smoked at least 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years?

¦ Do you have a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer?

There are many centers today that offer health screenings; choosing Jupiter Medical Center for your preventive health gives you so much more. Our Thoracic Surgery and Lung Center of Excellence is recognized as a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance and is a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology. If a problem is found, my colleagues and I are uniquely prepared to help you begin appropriate management of your health.

The purpose of the CT lung screening is to look for abnormalities, called nodules, in the lungs. Nodules are common, and about 97 percent are noncancerous. However, a nodule can represent early lung cancer.

At Jupiter Medical Center, we have a Lung Nodule Clinic made up of the region’s leading interventional radiologists, pulmonologists and oncologists. This group specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected lung nodules.

Our team is quick to create a plan of care the same day as your consultation, and patients get the support of an oncology navigator to guide them through any further treatment.

Take the time this month to determine if you’re at increased risk of lung cancer and get screened. If you are a smoker, sign up for one of Jupiter Medical Center’s free smoking cessation programs. Invest the time and care in your health today and you’ll breathe easier in the future.

To discuss scheduling a CT lung screening at Jupiter Medical Center or to learn about our free, six-week smoking cessation classes, call 263-4437. ¦


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