Ogdensburg Lung Cancer Screening

Don’t Take Chances With Your Lung Health

Your lungs play a crucial role in sustaining your health, ensuring the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide with every breath. Lung cancer has the potential to disrupt this vital function, and unfortunately, its symptoms often go unnoticed until the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. This means that individuals with lung cancer may remain unaware of their condition until it reaches advanced stages.

Lung cancer screenings, such as the one offered at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, can make a significant difference. These screenings provide images that enable your doctor to detect subtle changes in the lungs, which are more manageable and treatable than advanced lung cancer. Undergoing a screening can potentially make the journey to combatting your cancer smoother and more effective.

Lung Cancer Tests We Offer

At the CHMC lung cancer screening program, we provide a thorough and comprehensive approach to your lung health. Our approach to preventive lung cancer screenings include a low-dose CT scan, meticulously analyzed by a board-certified radiologist. The scan results are promptly shared with your healthcare provider. In the event that any abnormalities are detected, we can facilitate a seamless referral for lung cancer treatment at Claxton-Hepburn's renowned Richard E. Winter Cancer Center.

Eligibility for Our Cancer Tests

Lung cancer is closely tied to a smoking habit. As a result, we restrict our lung cancer screenings to people who have a 30-pack-year smoking history. (A pack-year is equivalent to the number of packs you smoke per day, multiplied by the number of years you've smoked.) If you have a 30-pack-year history but you don't smoke now, screening is still a good idea for you.

The LDCT eligilibility requirements are:

1. Adults ages 50-80 years old.

2. Patients with a 20 or more pack-year smoking history.

3. Current smoker or a former smoker within the past 15 years.

Our lung cancer screening team can discuss this with you and help you make the right choice.

Help to Stop Smoking

For individuals who smoke, our smoking-cessation program offers invaluable assistance. Quitting smoking is a pivotal step toward achieving healthier lungs, and the sooner you embark on this journey, the better. Our program provides access to skilled counselors and nicotine-replacement products as needed. These resources are designed to empower you, helping you overcome nicotine cravings and ultimately leading you to a smoke-free life.

In the event that your initial scans show clear results, we can conveniently schedule an appointment reminder for a follow-up scan in one year. We strongly advocate for annual screenings, as they provide the highest level of protection against lung cancer, ensuring the continued well-being of your lungs.

Our lung cancer screening program is ideally designed for individuals who:

• Have no history of lung cancer or lung resection surgery.
• Have no history of treatment for any other form of cancer in the past five years, and no evidence of another form of cancer.
• Do not have a recent history of coughing up blood.
• Have not received treatment for pneumonia or a respiratory infection with antibiotics in the 12 weeks prior to screening.
• Have not experienced unexplained weight loss of more than 15 pounds in the year prior to screening.

Cost of Lung Cancer Screening

At present, the majority of insurance carriers do not include coverage for chest CT screening for lung cancer. However, we are pleased to offer this essential test at a cost of $99, which is approximately equivalent to the price of a carton of cigarettes. Payment is due at the time of service, and this fee covers both the CT scan and the associated radiology interpretation fees.

We also provide free screenings to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, made possible through the generous support of the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund. For further details and inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your lung health is our priority, and we are here to assist you.

Followup Care with Richard E. Winter Cancer Center

If the scan reveals any findings that necessitate additional testing, we will carry out these procedures with your consent. It's important to note that the majority of insurance plans typically cover the costs of further diagnostic tests. Rest assured that we work closely in collaboration with the CHMC Richard E. Winter Cancer Center to ensure your comprehensive care throughout this process.