Lung Cancer Screening

In the U.S., lung cancer is the second most common cancer – and the leading cause of cancer death. When diagnosed early, the lung cancer survival rate is much higher. Research from the U.S. National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute shows that – when diagnosed at Stage 1 – the 5-year survival rate increases from 17% to 60%.

Rutland Regional Medical Center’s accredited Lung Cancer Screening Center offers state-of-the-art low dose CT scanning for lung cancer for those who qualify. Our board-certified pulmonary and cancer care teams provide expert diagnosis and treatment every step of the way.

Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

If you smoke or used to smoke, you are at higher risk for lung cancer. To be screened for lung cancer, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician. You will also need to meet certain requirements to qualify for screening.

If your doctor recommends a lung cancer screening for you, it doesn’t mean that they think you have cancer. Cancer screenings are only done when you are symptom-free.

Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines

If your doctor thinks you might be at risk for lung cancer, our team – including health navigators and lung cancer specialists – will work with you to review your history and eligibility for screening.

You should be screened for lung cancer if you meet all five of these requirements:

1. You’re between 50 and 80 years old
2. You have no symptoms of lung cancer
3. You are a current smoker or have quit in the last 15 years
4. You have smoked at least 30 packs a year*
5. You’re willing to undergo possible lung cancer treatment (including surgery)

*30 packs a year:

• 1/2 pack/day for 60 years or
• 1 pack /day for 30 years or
• 2 packs/day for 15 years or
• 3 packs/day for 10 years

How Do We Test for Lung Cancer?

At Rutland Regional’s accredited Lung Cancer Screening Center, we provide low-dose CT (computed cosmography) scanning to test for lung cancer. During a CT scan, you will lie on a table while an X-ray machine uses a small amount (low dose) of radiation to take pictures of your lungs. The test only takes a few minutes and does not hurt.

For those at high risk for lung cancer, we can use yearly CT scans to find cancer before symptoms start – when it is much more treatable.

Ask Your Doctor About Lung Cancer Screening

You’ll need a referral from your primary care physician to sign up for the early detection Lung Cancer Screening Program. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of a lung cancer screening and call the Rutland Pulmonary Center at 802.775.2036 for more information about our program.