CT Lung Screening

In an effort to increase early detection of lung disease in smokers and former smokers, Virginia Urology will now offer low-dose CT lung screenings.  It has been found by the National Cancer Institute to reduce the risk of  lung cancer deaths by 20%.

(Read about the study here).

What is a lung CT scan?

• A 15 minute screening using a low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) scan that can detect abnormal spots on the lungs.
• Painless & non-invasive.
• Uses about 20% of the radiation of a standard CT scan.

Who should have a screening?

• Current or former smokers over 55 years of age (see below).
• If you have smoked at least one packs of cigarettes each day for the past 20 years (or have quit in past 15 years).
• If you have smoked two packs a day for ten years (or have quit in past 15 years).

Why you should have a screening?

• Lung cancer is the most lethal form of cancer among men & women with nearly 160,000 deaths each year from this disease which is more than from colon, prostate, breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined.
• By the time people have symptoms and are diagnosed with lung cancer, about 70% are already incurable. 
• Cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor in the development of lung cancer. 

Insurance providers do not currently cover the cost for the screenings, which is $300. If any abnormalities are found, additional tests and medical care coverage will depend on the patient’s individual health plans.

Lung Screening CT scans will be available on Friday afternoons at the Virginia Urology Stony Point office.

For further information on this program or to set up an appointment, call (804) 327-0394 or fill out the form to the right.