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CT Lung Cancer Screening at RMI

Early Detection to Fight the Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths in Michigan

Lung cancer is a major health concern in Michigan, a state with higher-than-average smoking rates, lung cancer incidence, and lung cancer mortality. This is especially true of Genesee County, where lung cancer incidence exceeds the state level by 22 percent, and the lung cancer death rate is 18 percent higher than the state’s.

In Michigan, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. It is also the third most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in the state, exceeded only by prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Unfortunately, lung cancer usually goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, when it is difficult to treat. The overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer is less than16 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute.

When lung cancer is detected early, however, the five-year survival rate is much higher—53 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic. CT (computed tomography) lung screening is an especially effective tool for helping doctors find lung cancer at early stages. Recent research suggests that lung screening CTscans may significantly reduce the risk of death from lung cancer in patients with extensive smoking history. In comparison to chest X-rays, CT scans can be especially effective in identifying lung lesions at a stage when they are smaller and more treatable. Though this uses more radiation than a chest X-ray, the technique used in our CT lung screening protocols results in significantly lower radiation dose than used by standard chest CT.

Is CT Lung Screening Right For You?

While routine lung screenings are not currently an official recommendation of major medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society, a physician may recommend a lung screening based on a patient’s individual medical situation.

If you believe you are at risk for lung cancer, your first step is to discuss your smoking history or other risk factors with your primary care physician. While the best way to reduce lung cancer risk is to stop smoking, your doctor may decide that a CT lung screening is appropriate for you. Your physician can also contact RMI at (810) 732-1919 to consult with a radiologist about CT lung cancer screening.

Insurance Won’t Pay? RMI’s Fees Make CT Lung Screening Affordable

Most health insurance plans do not currently cover CT lung screening exams. RMI, however, accepts all payers—including self-pay and cash payment at time of service—for CT lung screening and all other diagnostic modalities. For CT lung screening, RMI’s fee of $149 for cash paymentmakes the exam accessible to patients who must pay out of pocket.

REFERENCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking & Tobacco Use: State Highlights—Michigan.  Available at http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/state_data/state_highlights/2010/states/michigan/index.htm

Genesee County Health Department. The Health of Genesee County (2005). Available at http://www.ulflint.org/Health%20of%20Genesee%20County.pdf.

Michigan Department of Community Health. Cancer. Retrieved 19 August 2011. Available at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2944_5323---,00.html.

Simon, S. Study Confirms CT Scans Reduce Lung Cancer Deaths. American Cancer Society, 30 Jun 2011.Available at http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/study-confirms-ct-scans-reduce-lung-cancer-deaths.