Lung Cancer Screening Program
Our Program
The Hospitals of Providence offers a high quality, multidisciplinary approach to the management of lung disease, giving patients the most comprehensive care possible. We have built a team with experts who provide compassionate comprehensive lung cancer services. Our team focuses on diagnosing cancer at an early stage through our lung cancer screening program, and works together to development and help execute a treatment plan.
Our team includes:
- Pulmonology
- Interventional Radiology
- Pathology
- Surgery
- Medical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Nurse Navigator
- Social Worker
What is Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening looks for signs of the disease before there are any symptoms in people who are at high risk. Using low-dose CT Scan, the radiology department can take very detailed pictures of your lungs. A doctor will then examine these pictures to look for changes that could be signs of lung cancer. A CT scan is the only proven effective way to screen for lung cancer.
Who should consider being screened for lung cancer?
- Current or former heavy smokers with at least 30 pack years’ history of smoking (a pack year is the number of cigarette packs smoked every day multiplied by the number of years of smoking).
- Between the ages of 55-80
- Without any major health problems or conditions that would prevent a person from receiving cancer treatments like surgery
Patients who meet the criteria should be referred to The Hospitals of Providence at (915) 577-5864 (LUNG) for evaluation and CT scan scheduling.
Benefits
Evidence suggests that lung cancer could detect approximately ½ of lung cancer cases at an early stage.
If caught early, treatment may be more successful. Studies show that early treatment of lung cancer allows some patients to live a longer life.
It may detect cancer before you have any symptoms. 9 out of 10 lung cancers will not be detected by screening.
If caught early, you may have more treatment options. Early lung cancer may be removable with surgery. Advanced lung cancers are often inoperable.
Lung Cancer Prevention
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking.
How can I stop?
Call Texas Quitline: 1-877-Yes Quit
Online or telephone help is available 24/4; patients will receive free and confidential counseling services. Web Coach is an online Coaching program available to those who join the program. Develop a Quitting Plan and work with a Quit Coach®. You can call Texas Quitline: 1-877-Yes Quit
The Lung Program Advisory Council
Physicians and Department leaders from The Hospitals of Providence collaborate to develop and evaluate the lung cancer screening program. Use our Find a Physician to find a physician with a specialty lung disease.
