Lung Cancer Screening Program

Lung cancer kills more people every year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. It is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Many times symptoms do not present themselves until the cancer has progressed to later stages, but when caught early, the survival rates increase substantially.

At St. Joseph Medical Center, you can be screened for lung cancer utilizing Low Dose CT scan. Screening low dose CT scan of the chest reduces lung cancer death by up to 20%.

For further information or appointments, contact us at 816-943-4556

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In one study (over the course of five years) before screening programs were implemented, 34% of patients were diagnosed in stage one. After screening programs were implemented, 69% of patients were diagnosed in stage one. Screening has also decreased the odds of being diagnosed in stage four from 35% down to 9%.

The goal is simple: Detect cancer early and save lives.

Patients may have one screen per year as long as they meet the following criteria:

Ages 50-77
Current smoker or quit within past 15 years.
20 pack year smoking history (number of years smoked multiplied by packs per day)
No signs or symptoms of lung cancer (previous cancer dx is ok, as long as no current symptoms)

The lung cancer screening requires a physician referral. For those who meet the criteria listed above, it is covered by insurance as a preventative service, and Medicare covers it at 100% no deductible. For those who do not meet criteria for insurance or Medicare, we offer a self pay program at $150.

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