CT Lung Cancer Screening in Portland

Catch lung cancer as early as possible

lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. It causes more deaths than colorectal and breast cancers combined. By the time symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, develop, lung cancer may have spread outside the lungs, greatly reducing the likelihood of a cure. Therefore, early detection is key.

Why choose CT lung cancer screening

Studies have shown that low-dose chest CT scanning is a valuable tool for detecting lung cancer before symptoms develop and at its earliest and most treatable stages. Annual low-dose CT scans for current and former smokers may reduce the risk of lung cancer death by as much as 20 percent.

Your health care provider will work with you to assess whether you are a good candidate for CT lung cancer screening. The general criteria include:

• Age 55 to 77 (up to age 80 with some insurance plans)
• Current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
• Smoking history of 30 or more “pack years”
• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Scheduling and cost

Medicare and most other health insurers cover lung cancer screening with low-dose chest CT scans for patients who meet the required criteria. You will need a visit with your primary care provider so you can make a decision together about whether you would benefit from such screening. You provider can then order the screening. Once your provider orders the screening chest CT scan, Adventist Health’s patient schedulers will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment. If you are uninsured, Adventist Health Portland can provide this screening for you for a cash price of $295.