Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers for mid-Missourians. It is most treatable in early stages, and a yearly screening is one of the best ways to detect lung cancer early. At MU Health Care, we offer a lung cancer screening program for eligible patients. We work with you to ensure you have access to the most advanced care and screening options.
What is a lung cancer screening?
A lung cancer screening is a special scan that uses low-dose computed tomography (CT) to detect lung cancer. Patients who meet national screening guidelines for a lung cancer screening can expect the appointment to take 30 minutes. The scan itself takes 10 minutes in which a patient will change into a gown and lay down on a table. The low-dose CT scan takes pictures of the inside of a patient’s body from different angles.
The scans are then reviewed by a doctor to see if any visible nodules, or lumps, can be seen within the lung cavity. Our clinic staff will send results to the patient and work with them to schedule their next yearly appointment.
If a scan reading is abnormal, our nurse navigator will call the patient for a follow-up appointment. As part of an academic health system, our doctors and staff from multiple specialties are able to provide the safest, personalized treatments for you. We’re here to help you from screening to treatment to survivorship.
Who is eligible?
Because smoking is the top cause of lung cancer, evidence-based screening recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends current and former heavy smokers be screened. Men and women are eligible for lung cancer screening if they meet the following criteria:
- Age 50-80 who have smoked in the last 15 years or currently smoke AND
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (meaning having smoked at least one pack per day for 20 years OR two packs a day for 10 years)
If you meet these criteria, call our screening clinic today at 573-884-7770 in Columbia or 573-632-4800 in Jefferson City to schedule your appointment. You can also ask any of your doctors to refer you to Ellis Fischel Cancer Center or Goldschmidt Cancer Center with a faxed referral.
What causes lung cancer?
Smoking is the top risk factor for lung cancer. Over 80 percent of lung cancer cases can be attributed to smoking. If you or a family member is interested in quitting, MU Health Care offers virtual tobacco-cessation classes for free.
Other risk factors for lung cancer include a family history of lung cancer or other cancers, contact with radon, asbestos or other cancer-causing agents, or a health history that includes pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Read about our Quit Tobacco Now Program
