Local Lung Cancer Screenings
« ReturnThe US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that private insurance companies cover annual lung cancer screenings for heavy smokers fitting certain qualifications. St. James Parish Hospital offers these screenings locally.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) for people who—
- Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history and
- smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years and
- are between 50 and 80 years old
A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
Lung cancer screening is not without risks. That is why lung cancer screening is recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age.
“Lung cancer screenings consist of a low-dose computed tomography or CT Scan. This scan is quick and pain-free,” said Mike Luminais, Director of Radiology at St. James Parish Hospital.
“We are proud to offer this screening locally and urge qualifying patients to take advantage of a no-cost screening that could possibly be lifesaving.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people in the US die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. However, if found early enough, many lung cancers can be cured.
The hospital urges current or previous smokers who may fall into these categories to contact their primary care physician’s office for more information. If you have orders and would like to schedule your annual lung cancer screening, contact our Imaging Department at 225.258.5953.
Lung cancer screening is not a substitute for quitting smoking.
