Lung Screenings

Years of tobacco use can have harmful effects on the human body and can eventually lead to lung cancer, the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Good Samaritan now has the opportunity to find evidence of lung cancer sooner by offering Low Dose CT (LDCT) lung screenings that have been shown to save numerous lives in high-risk populations. In the initial clinical trial sponsored by The National Cancer Institute, a 20% reduction in deaths from lung cancer was seen by high-risk participants in LDCT lung screening as opposed to those who underwent standard chest x-rays. Good Samaritan has implemented this program in order to help discover lung cancer at its earliest and most curable state, which will ultimately save lives.

Lung Screening Program

Good Samaritan’s Lung Cancer Screening Program is a multi-disciplinary approach to lung cancer screening and prevention. Made up of an expert medical team including: pulmonology, vascular/thoracic surgery, medical and radiation oncology, radiology, and a nurse practitioner, Good Samaritan is able to offer the most advanced care options available.

Who Is at Risk for Lung Cancer?

The number one risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco products contain more than 7,000 chemicals and are linked to 90% of lung cancers. Secondhand smoke, family history of lung cancer and diet can also be risk factors associated with lung cancer.

Who Is Eligible for Lung Screening?

LDCT lung screening is recommended for the following persons who are considered by medical professionals as being at “high risk” for developing lung cancer:

• Ages 50-77 AND
• A 20 or more pack a year or equivalent smoking history
  • one pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, ect.
• Current smokers or former smokers who have quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Currently showing no signs of pulmonary symptoms
• No other chest CT within one year.

The American Lung Association recommends that if you choose to have LDCT lung screening done that you choose a facility that has experience performing LDCT scans and participates in ‘Best Practice’ guidelines for lung cancer screening.

Good Samaritan is accredited in CT Chest scanning by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and have achieved “Designation” status as a Lung Screening Center by the college. In addition, our facility has been deemed a “Screening Center of Excellence” from the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) and we are proud to have earned this association. We proudly promote an on-site, multi-disciplinary team to review and provide recommendations to you and your primary provider related to LDCT tests.

Please note, any testing you choose to have done in regards to your health is optional and decision-based between you and your health care provider. You have the right to refuse testing. However, if you choose to have testing done you may have it performed anywhere you choose and you are not required in any way to have either your initial testing or any potentially recommended subsequent testing performed at Good Samaritan.

Although Good Samaritan has resources available for lung cancer screening, it is recognized that the single most important preventable cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking. Screening is not a substitute for smoking cessation. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce morbidity and death related to lung cancer.

Good Samaritan offers a FREE Smoking Cessation Program. If you would like more information or want to sign up for the program, please contact the Good Samaritan Respiratory Department at 812-885-3214. For more information about Lung Screening, please call 812-885-3638.