Q: I smoked for many years, but quit about five years ago. I’d like to be sure my lungs are healthy now. Is there a screening test for lung cancer?

Ask Our Expert About Lung Cancer Screening

About Our Expert

Eliot L. Friedman, M.D., is the senior medical director of hematology-medical oncology at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

• I smoked for many years, but quit about five years ago. I’d like to be sure my lungs are healthy now. Is there a screening test for lung cancer?
• Is Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network offering this screening, even though the FDA hasn’t yet approved it?
• Who should be screened?
• Will my health insurance pay for this screening?

Q: I smoked for many years, but quit about five years ago. I’d like to be sure my lungs are healthy now. Is there a screening test for lung cancer?

A: Yes, there is. The results of a recent study show that CT scan screening may be effective for finding early stage lung cancers. In general, earlier detection means earlier treatment with a better chance for survival. Until now, over two-thirds of lung cancers have been detected only in advanced stages, when cancer is generally not curable. At the present time, only 15 percent of all patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. will be alive five years after the diagnosis is made. The results of this study documenting CT scan screening are promising, but because this technique is so new, we do not have a lot of data about whether it will affect survival.

By 2010, we will have the results of two studies involving over 80,000 people. These studies will compare detection and survival rates in screened and unscreened patients. This type of study is generally required before a new therapy or technique is approved for use in this country. So CT scan screening for lung cancer does not yet have FDA approval.

Q: Is Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network offering this screening, even though the FDA hasn’t yet approved it?

A: Yes. My colleagues and I at Lehigh Valley Hospital’s John and Dorothy Morgan Cancer Center feel that this screening technique will be beneficial in helping people survive lung cancer. In September, 2006, we embarked on a CT scan screening program to detect early-stage, potentially curable lung cancer. We use a high-tech, low dose CT scan and software programs that increase the reliability of the test.

Q: Who should be screened?

A: Anyone who has smoked a pack a day for 20 or more years—whether they have quit or are still smoking – should be screened. Also people who worked with asbestos or other chemicals that affect the lungs should be screened. If you have a family history of lung cancer, screening is definitely a good idea, regardless of whether or not you smoked.

Q: Will my health insurance pay for this screening?

A: No. Because the screening is not yet FDA approved, you will have to pay for the test. Lehigh Valley Hospital is offering the screening at a very reasonable price. Some charity care is available for those who cannot pay. To make an appointment for a screening or learn more about the cost, call 610-402-CARE.

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