Annual lung cancer screenings are important if you are at high risk. Every year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In fact, lung cancer screening is as important as getting your regular mammogram or colonoscopy — and research shows that it's even more effective at saving lives than either of those tests.
National Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening
If you meet all of the following lung cancer screening criteria, you're considered to be at high risk for lung cancer and eligible for lung cancer screening:
- You're between the ages of 50 and 80
- You're a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years. (If you're a current smoker, we can help you quit.)
- You have a "20 pack-year" history of smoking, calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day times the number of years you've smoked. For example: One pack a day for 20 years OR two packs a day for 10 years
- You have no new signs or symptoms of lung cancer, such as a new cough that will not go away or recent unexplained weight loss
If you are not sure if you meet the criteria, talk to your doctor about your smoking history and the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening. If you're a candidate for screening, your doctor can order the test for you.
How Lung Cancer Screening Works at RUSH
At RUSH, we offer screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scans, which provides quality images that help detect small lung nodules using less radiation than a standard CT scan.
The noninvasive screening exam requires an order from your primary care doctor. The exam itself is quick and easy, with no prep or downtime required.
During the screening, you'll lie on an exam table that moves through a low-dose CT scanner. The technician performing the test will ask you to hold your breath a couple of times to get the best possible images of your lungs.
That's it: Screening takes only a few minutes. You'll get the results of your screening from your doctor.
If the screening shows that you need further testing or a follow-up visit with a specialist, your doctor will work with you on your next steps, and our lung cancer screening coordinators will help schedule any additional appointments.
Based on your age and smoking history, your lung cancer screening may be covered by your insurance. For those who meet criteria, but fall outside of insurance coverage, RUSH offers a self-pay option for $139. Talk to your doctor for more information.
For additional questions regarding lung cancer screening, help obtaining an order or to schedule your lung screening, please call (312) 947-5864 or fill out our appointment request form.
What to Expect: Lung Cancer Screening at RUSH
Meet our lung cancer screening providers
RUSH Excellence in Lung Cancer Screening
- Screening Centers of Excellence: Awarded to all RUSH locations that offer lung screening, including RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH Oak Park Hospital and RUSH Copley Medical Center, this designation from the Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer recognizes RUSH's commitment to responsible, high-quality screening practices.
- Expert care from board-certified radiologists: Our lung imaging specialists have years of experience in reading lung cancer screening results. They also ensure that you get the lowest possible radiation dose during your screening.
- Catching issues early: Our expertise in identifying early-stage lung cancers means that you'll benefit from minimally invasive treatment options that offer faster recovery, less pain and a quicker return to daily activities.
- Diagnosing lung care faster, more accurate: Experts at RUSH use a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system called Ion to diagnose lung cancer faster and more accurately. This minimally invasive lung biopsy reaches more parts of the lung than a standard biopsy, so you get treated sooner.
- A team approach: If your screening shows that you need to follow up with a specialist, our screening radiologists work closely with RUSH lung cancer specialists. Our medical oncologists, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons collaborate to create a personal treatment plan for every patient.
- National leaders in lung cancer surgery: If you need lung cancer treatment, your care plan may include surgery. And at RUSH, you're in good hands. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has designated thoracic surgery at Rush a three-star program — the society’s highest rating — for lung cancer surgeries. RUSH is one of 13 thoracic surgery programs in the nation that has earned the three-star distinction, which denotes an excellent program with better-than-expected outcomes for patients.
