Lung cancer screening

Early detection saves lives. Our low-dose CT lung cancer screening helps find cancer before symptoms appear, making treatment more effective and improving survival rates.

(801) 507-3964

 

Lung cancer screening is a quick and painless way to check for lung cancer in its earliest stages. Lung cancer often is not caught until symptoms appear. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has usually spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat. Screening helps doctors find small tumors or nodules (masses of extra cells) in the lungs before they grow or spread to other parts of the body. Finding cancer early means it is easier to treat, and the chances of being cancer-free improve greatly.

Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about lung cancer screenings. To see if you qualify, contact the Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator for more information at (801) 507-3964.

Lung Cancer Screening FAQs: What You Need to Know

Answers to common questions about low-dose CT lung cancer screening, eligibility, safety, and what to expect.

Smoking causes up to 80% of lung cancer deaths. The longer and heavier you smoke, the higher your risk. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and workplace hazards like asbestos also increase risk.

Prevention Tips:

  • Quit smoking: view a list of resources related to quitting smoking here, or talk to your doctor for recommended resources that can help.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke: Inhaling smoke from other people exposes you to the same dangerous chemicals as smoking.
  • Test your home: A radon test can alert you to the presence of this dangerous gas.
  • Stay safe at work: Wear safety equipment and follow best practices to avoid exposure to harmful gases and substances at the workplace.
Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to detect cancer before symptoms appear. The scan is quick and painless, taking only a few seconds while you lie on a table. It helps find small nodules or tumors early, when treatment is most effective. Detecting cancer early greatly improves survival rates and reduces the need for more aggressive treatments later.
Screening is recommended for adults aged 50–77 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. You should have no symptoms of lung cancer and be willing to undergo treatment if cancer is found. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about your risk factors, medical history, and personal preferences before deciding.
Early detection saves lives. Experts estimate that up to 8 out of 10 lung cancers found early can be successfully treated. Screening may also uncover other health issues that can be addressed. Our team provides education, answers your questions, and guides you through every step of the process to make screening as simple and reassuring as possible.
You’ll lie on a table while a CT scanner takes detailed images of your lungs as you briefly hold your breath. The scan is quick, and your head remains outside the machine, which helps reduce discomfort. A trained technician monitors you throughout the process for safety and support. Most patients find the experience easy and stress-free.
The radiation dose from a low-dose CT scan is very small—less than what you’d receive from natural background radiation over six months. The benefits of finding lung cancer early far outweigh this minimal risk. Our program follows national safety guidelines to ensure your exposure is as low as possible while still providing accurate results.
Annual screenings are recommended for those at high risk. Screening stops if you turn 80, quit smoking for more than 15 years, or cannot undergo treatment. Your doctor may adjust the schedule based on your health and previous results. Staying consistent with yearly scans is key to catching changes early and improving outcomes.
Our program provides yearly scans, tracks your results, and sends reminders for follow-ups. After your screening, a doctor reviews your images and sends a letter with your results. If anything abnormal is found, we guide you through additional tests and next steps. Our goal is to make screening simple, safe, and effective for every patient.

Resources

Trying to quit smoking or vaping? The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer is to quit smoking or vaping. Ask your doctor about the support programs listed below:

More helpful websites:

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