Lung Cancer Screening
At Trinity Health Michigan, we're committed to building a healthy community, which is why we offer lung cancer screenings. Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer, but if caught early, it can be cured. Screening tests at Trinity Health Michigan catch the early signs of lung cancer when it’s easier to treat.
Lung Cancer Screening at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
We are an American College of Radiology-designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. This national recognition highlights our commitment to safe, accurate lung cancer screening. We also offer support services and specialized clinics to help you avoid a lung cancer diagnosis.
What Is a Lung Cancer Screening?
A screening is a test to check for signs of cancer before you experience symptoms. Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why screenings are so important. When we detect lung cancer early, you have a better chance of becoming cancer-free. And if there are no signs of cancer, you have peace of mind knowing your lungs are healthy.
Doctors recommend screenings for people who face a high risk of lung cancer, even if they don’t have symptoms. A lung cancer screening may be right for you if you:
- Age 50-80
- A current smoker OR a former smoker
- AND you have or had a smoking history of at least “20 pack years”, defined as • One pack a day for 20 years OR
- Two packs a day for 10 years
Know Your Risk
Learn more about your risk for developing lung cancer by taking a short lung health assessment. We’ll provide recommended next steps for prevention and screening based your risk level.
Get StartedLow-Dose CT Scans for Lung Cancer
Early stage lung cancer is often too small to detect with X-rays. We use computed tomography (CT), which is capable of detecting cancerous growths as small as a few centimeters.
We take a series of lung images while you lie on a table. The test uses the lowest amount of necessary level of radiation, so you don’t have to worry about side effects. And you don’t have to do anything to prepare.
More Information About Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Screening
Most insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings, but you need a physician referral. Make an appointment with your primary care provider or pulmonologist to learn if a screening is right for you. We talk with you about your health history and explain what to expect. You can also ask us questions about the screening and what it means for your health.
What Happens After My Screening?
After the screening, a radiologist reads the scans and lets our team know the results. We share this information with you as quickly as possible.
- If the results are negative: No immediate action is necessary. Follow up with your doctor to discuss whether you will be eligible for a screening next year.
- If we find a suspicious growth: Our nurse navigator calls you. We explain the results and the next steps of your care, which may include additional tests. Not all lung growths are cancerous. We may recommend follow-up care to monitor the growths through our lung nodule clinic.
Lung Cancer Prevention
The best way to protect yourself from lung cancer is to quit using tobacco. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit, and experts at Trinity Health Michigan can help. You may be eligible for free education and counseling to quit tobacco for good.
You should also receive regular lung cancer screenings if you are eligible. Even if your most recent screening shows no signs of cancer, your results can change over time. Some forms of lung cancer grow slowly. Talk with your doctor about a screening schedule that’s right for you.