Lung Cancer Screening
A quick, easy and painless lung screening could save your life or the life of someone you love
If you or someone you know is a current or former smoker you may be eligible for a lung screening.
A quick, non-invasive and painless lung screening can detect lung cancer at a very early stage and before symptoms appear. The lung screening is done using a low-dose CT scan and it takes less than a minute to complete. There are no needles, no prep required and no need to change your clothes unless they have metal on them.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. It takes the lives of more than 127,000 people each year in the U.S. Lung cancer symptoms typically do not develop until the cancer is too advanced for curative treatment. Lung cancer that is diagnosed earlier is easier to treat and can increase survival rates.
Who is eligible for a lung cancer screening?
You should be screened for lung cancer if you meet the following criteria:
- Age 50 – 80 (Medicare 50 – 77)
- Have a 20-pack year history of smoking (1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years etc.)
- Current or former smoker that has quit within the past 15 years
Understanding Lung Screenings
A quick, non-invasive and painless lung screening can detect lung cancer at a very early stage and before symptoms appear. The lung screening is done using a low-dose CT scan and it takes less than a minute to complete. There are no needles, no prep required and no need to change your clothes unless they have metal on them.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. It takes the lives of more than 127,000 people each year in the U.S. Lung cancer symptoms typically do not develop until the cancer is too advanced for curative treatment. Lung cancer that is diagnosed earlier is easier to treat and can increase survival rates.
Who is eligible for a lung cancer screening?
You should be screened for lung cancer if you meet the following criteria:
- Age 50 – 80 (Medicare 50 – 77)
- Have a 20-pack year history of smoking (1 pack per day for 20 years or 2 packs per day for 10 years etc.)
- Current or former smoker that has quit within the past 15 years
Before Your Scan
- A nurse patient navigator will call you to go over screening eligibility and schedule your screening at a location of your choice.
- It is recommended that those who meet eligibility criteria get screened once per year
After Your Scan
- Results will be available on your My IU Health patient portal account
- If you do not have a My IU Health patient portal account or we find something concerning on your scan we will call you with results
- Results will also be shared with your primary care provider
What if I need follow-up care?
All scans with abnormal findings are discussed during a weekly Lung Screening Review Board by a team of expert medical professionals dedicated to lung cancer screenings and treatment.
During the review, the team will provide follow up recommendations. The nurse patient navigator will then contact you to help guide and coordinate your follow-up care. The navigator serves as a liaison providing support and advocacy throughout your healthcare journey.
Our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives you access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. This commitment distinguishes IU Health from other cancer centers.
Do you offer smoking cessation?
It is never too late to quit! Our IU Health tobacco cessation program offers many tools and support to help you on your journey to living tobacco free.
What to Expect Before and After Your Lung Scan
Before Your Scan
- A nurse patient navigator will call you to go over screening eligibility and schedule your screening at a location of your choice.
- It is recommended that those who meet eligibility criteria get screened once per year
After Your Scan
- Results will be available on your My IU Health patient portal account
- If you do not have a My IU Health patient portal account or we find something concerning on your scan we will call you with results
- Results will also be shared with your primary care provider
What if I need follow-up care?
All scans with abnormal findings are discussed during a weekly Lung Screening Review Board by a team of expert medical professionals dedicated to lung cancer screenings and treatment.
During the review, the team will provide follow up recommendations. The nurse patient navigator will then contact you to help guide and coordinate your follow-up care. The navigator serves as a liaison providing support and advocacy throughout your healthcare journey.
Our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives you access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. This commitment distinguishes IU Health from other cancer centers.
Do you offer smoking cessation?
It is never too late to quit! Our IU Health tobacco cessation program offers many tools and support to help you on your journey to living tobacco free.
