SGCMH Lung Screening Program

Should you be screened for Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Often the disease does not show symptoms until it has progressed to advanced stages, when it is difficult to treat and chances of survival decrease. 

A low-radiation-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer at its earliest stages, making treatment both easier and more effective. Such screening is only appropriate for people who may be at higher risk for lung cancer due to their history of smoking.

The SGCMH Screening Program 

A low-dose CT scan of the chest looking for lung cancer is similar to a mammography screen for breast cancer. Both can detect cancer in its early stages and save lives. It is estimated that lung cancer deaths can be reduced by 20%, or up to 22,000 lives can be saved by this screen each year.

Do I need a physician referral?

For Medicare and some private insurance plans, you need to have a "shared decision making" visit with your physician to be referred for a lung CT.

How is the screening performed?

The screening test is performed with a low-radiation-dose spiral CT.  The CT scanner rotates around your body, while you lie still on a table that passes through the center of the scanner.  The CT scan provides detailed images of the inside of your body, made by a computer that combines the X-ray images taken from a different angles.

How long does it take?

The exam takes only a few minutes, and we strive to have you in and out in less than an hour.

What happens if the test finds an abnormality?

If an abnormality is found, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Small nodules and other abnormalities are found in about 1 in 5 screening CT scans. Most of these do not turn out to be cancer, but may require more testing (which may be covered by insurance). 

IF CANCER IS FOUND

Cancer Care Personalized for You at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital

If cancer is found, your team will work with your primary care physician and you on a treatment plan. The Alan P. Lyss Center for Cancer Care and Clinical Research, located within the hospital, offers you the the very latest in treatment options, and the best trained professionals from the Cancer Center at Missouri Baptist, who bring their expertise to the Ste. Genevieve community.

You'll want the very latest in treatment options, the best trained professionals, including a team of top doctors, and the most advanced cancer-fighting technology.

Schedule an Appointment

To set up an appointment for a lung cancer screening test, call 573-883-4488.  The lung screening CT exam is offered at the hospital's main campus located at 800 Ste. Genevieve Drive.