Lung Cancer Screening Program

Mercy Cancer Center and its physician partners are committed to creating a healthier tomorrow for the communities they serve. A new lung cancer screening program will soon be available to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages and help patients get access to life-saving care as quickly as possible. Mercy’s dedicated Lung Navigator will work in collaboration with expert pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons to evaluate participants for lung cancer risk, schedule those at high risk for screening tests (CT scans), and assure referrals for necessary follow-up care are made with minimal delays.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has found that having a low-dose CT of the chest in patients at high risk for developing lung cancer reduce their mortality by 20%. As a result of NCI findings, Mercy Cancer Center has created a Lung Cancer Screening Program for individuals at high risk for developing lung cancer.

SCREENING ELIGIBILITY

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has developed Guidelines to screen for individuals who may be at high risk.

• 55-74 years of age
• Have a 30pk/year history of smoking = number of years smoked multiplied by packs smoked per day
• Are currently smoking or have quit within the last 15 years

If you have a personal or family history of lung cancer, you may also be at high risk.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

If you meet the criteria as high risk for lung cancer, the Navigator will provide you with additional information about the program and help you schedule necessary testing if you decide to participate. Your screening results will be shared with a multidisciplinary team of physicians who will work together and with you to determine the best next steps for your lung health.

For a list of other lung cancer risk factors please call the Mercy Cancer Center at 855-218-LUNG (5864) and ask to speak with the Lung Cancer Screening Coordinator.

To participate in the program, you must not have any current symptoms or signs of lung cancer.