Should I be screened for lung cancer?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – an independent, volunteer panel of medical experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine – recommends lung cancer screening for people:

• 50 to 80 years old
• Free of any lung cancer signs or symptoms
• Who have never had lung cancer
• Currently smoke or quit smoking less than 15 years ago
• Who are or were heavy smokers, defined by your "pack history." (For example, one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.)

I have a history of smoking. What should I ask my doctor about lung cancer screening?

Whether or not to get screened for lung cancer is a personal decision. YRMC encourages you to speak with your healthcare provider to help you make that choice. Here are questions to guide that discussion:

• Am I eligible for lung cancer screening?
• What could happen if I decide against lung cancer screening?
• Do I need a physician’s order for lung cancer screening?
• Does my health insurance cover lung cancer screening?
• Where is lung cancer screening available in my community?
• Do I have to prepare for lung cancer screening?
• How long before I get the screening results?
• What are the next steps if the screening shows something of concern?

How does low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) work?

YRMC and other leading healthcare providers use LDCT to screen for lung cancer. This simple procedure provides detailed images of the lungs and can detect lung cancer in its early stages, while it's most curable.

To undergo LDCT, you lie on your back on a narrow table that will slide into the CT scanner. You will be asked to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds while the scan takes images of your lungs. There are no needles or medications given as part of LDCT.

The entire process – from check-in to the scan – takes approximately 30 minutes.

What are the benefits and risks of LDCT?

It's estimated more than 80 percent of lung cancers could be cured if discovered at an early stage. LDCT screening is performed before people are experiencing symptoms in order to detect lung cancer as early as possible.

The risks of LDCT include:

• Rare false-positive results that trigger unnecessary additional tests
• Radiation exposure (The amount of exposure is lower than a traditional diagnostic CT)
• Over diagnosis that could lead to unneeded treatment

What is endobronchial ultrasounds (EBUS)?

This minimally invasive procedure is used to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other medical conditions. During EBUS, procedural pulmonologists and other specialists perform a technique known as needle aspiration to obtain tissue or fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes without surgery. The samples help diagnose and stage lung cancer, detect infections and identify diseases that affect the lungs.

What is navigational bronchoscopy?

Navigational bronchoscopy combines advanced imaging techniques with electromagnetic navigation. This allows doctors to find lung tumors, perform biopsies and administer treatment.

Do I need a physician's order for lung cancer screening?

Yes. Your primary care provider will advise you on lung cancer screening and give you an order for the screening. The order will include:

• Your personal information (name, birthdate)
• A checklist of screening criteria that you meet (age range, asymptomatic, current/former smoker and smoking history)

Does insurance cover LDCT?

If you fit the high-risk criteria, most health insurance plans and Medicare cover lung cancer screening with no co-pays or deductibles. Work with your doctor's office to check your individual coverage.

If I don't meet the criteria or my insurance won't cover LDCT, can I still have the screening?

Yes. Speak to your physician if you believe you could benefit from LDCT. If you don't meet the criteria, your doctor may still recommend the screening. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

Who do I contact in our community to get more information on LDCT?

Call YRMC's Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program Patient Navigator at (928) 771-5454 for more information on LDCT.

What is lung cancer and what are its symptoms?

Lung cancer is abnormal cells growing out of control. These cells may form a tumor or spread outside of the lungs. Most lung cancer deaths occur because the disease is discovered after it has spread to other parts of the body.

How common is lung cancer?

It's the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with 150,000 people dying from it each year. Approximately 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually.

The Emergency Department at Yavapai Regional West in Prescott serves as the area’s “emergency base hospital.” This means emergency medical technicians (also called first responders) in the field follow medical protocols developed by our Emergency Department physicians and nurses. First responders in the field also contact physicians and charge nurses from our Emergency Department for in-field consultations.