Lung Cancer Diagnostics

Abington Memorial Hospital's Lung Screening Program

A recent national study showed that current or former heavy smokers who receive low-dose screening CT scans have a 20 percent decrease in mortality from lung cancer. The Lung Cancer Screening Program at Abington offers patients who are at high risk for lung cancer the opportunity to be screened with low-dose CT scan with a nurse navigator to guide them through the process of having any abnormal findings treated. A multi-disciplinary team comprised of radiologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and primary care physicians developed the program.

The team recommends CT scans for high risk patients meeting the following criteria:

• Current or former smokers (having quit within the past 15 years)
• 55 to 74 years old
• Smoking history of at least one pack a day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years
• No history of lung cancer

At this time, most insurance companies do not cover the costs of this screening.  The Lung Screening Program at Abington Memorial Hospital charges $350 for this service.  For more information or to schedule a test, call 215-481-LUNG.