If you have a history of smoking, you may need a lung cancer screening. Lung scans increase the chances of finding lung cancer before it grows or spreads. Research has shown that when you find lung cancer in its early stages, your chances of surviving five years or more improve by 60%.

At Advocate Health Care, we have one of the only programs in the area with a centralized team dedicated to lung screenings. We offer low-dose CT (LDCT) scans to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, before you even start experiencing symptoms. With multiple convenient locations throughout the Chicago metro area, we make it easy to get the screenings you need, when and where you need them.

What is a low-dose CT lung scan?

An LDCT lung scan (also known as chest scan) is an imaging test to check for early signs of lung cancer. X-rays and special computers used in a low-dose lung CT scan show a detailed image of your lungs so your doctor can detect even the smallest tumors. Finding these tumors in early stages increases the chance of successfully treating them.

Benefits of an LDCT chest scan

Low-dose CT chest scans offer multiple benefits. They are:

• Convenient: Multiple Advocate Health Care locations offer LDCT lung scans close to where you live and work.
• Effective: LDCT scans are four times more likely to detect a mass than traditional chest X-rays. They are about 80% effective at finding lung cancer in its early stages.
• Painless: LDCT scans are noninvasive and painless. Learn more about what to expect during a lung scan.
• Quick: The tests only take a few minutes to complete.
• Safe: These tests use very low doses of radiation – up to 90% less than a conventional chest CT scan.

What does a lung scan look for?

A lung scan looks for early signs of lung cancer, such as small spots (nodules).

Small nodules are somewhat common in people who undergo lung cancer screening. They may be noncancerous (benign) growths or areas of scarring from previous lung infections or conditions. Larger nodules or ones that are growing may be a cause for further testing.

What are the risks of a lung scan?

Lung scans are low-risk tests. But like most tests, they come with some risks, including:

Radiation exposure

There is a small risk of radiation exposure. The radiation you’re exposed to during a lung scan is only slightly higher than what women are exposed to in a mammogram. It’s about the equivalent of the radiation you’d be exposed to over six months of daily living.

False positives

The main risk of a lung scan is a false positive. False positives are when your doctor finds something that appears to be cancer but isn’t. You may get follow-up tests or treatments that end up being unnecessary. About 14% of lung cancer screenings result in a false positive.

Your doctor will discuss the risks of a false positive with you before the test. If your doctor recommends a lung scan, they believe the benefits of the test outweigh the risks.

Incidental findings

LDCT scans don’t just take pictures of your lungs; they take pictures of other parts of your body as well. These tests may find other health problems, such as narrowed arteries or emphysema.

Incidental findings are often a good thing – you can start treatment for conditions you didn’t know you had. But they can also mean more testing and stress.

Why might I need a lung scan?

Your doctor may order a lung scan if you have a high risk of lung cancer. Your overall risk of lung cancer is based on your age, smoking history and other environmental factors. Find out more about who should get a lung scan.

Is a lung scan covered by insurance?

Most health insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover lung scans for qualified patients. Qualified patients are those who are high-risk.

Learn more & schedule a lung cancer screening

Get started with a lung cancer screening by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. You’ll discuss risk factors and determine if a lung screening is right for you.

If you have questions about lung cancer screening, call us at 800-252-2990.