Lung cancer screening

CHI Memorial Chest and Lung Cancer Center at the Rees Skillern Cancer Institute diagnoses and treats lung cancer. Those who are at highest risk for lung cancer and are ideal candidates for low dose CT screening include:

• current or former smokers
• people ages 50-80 who have smoked for 20 years (one pack per day or more)
• people who quit smoking within the last 15 years

A low - dose computed tomography (CT) scan shows a 3 - D image of the lungs that is clearer and more detailed than regular x - rays, allowing doctors to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stage, before there are any symptoms. Lung cancer symptoms do not usually occur until the cancer is advanced, and may include persistent cough, sputum streaked with blood, chest pain, voice change, worsening shortness of breath, and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

• CHI Memorial’s Breathe Easy mobile lung CT coach allows us to take low - dose CT lung screening out into our communities and reach people who may not have access or the opportunity to get this scan otherwise. This technology is the first of its kind in the Chattanooga region.
• The low - dose CT lung cancer scan has been shown to improve survival by 20 percent according to The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Private insurance companies cover lung cancer screening for high - risk individuals. Medicare and Medicaid also cover lung cancer screening. In order to receive a lung cancer screening, you must have a doctor’s referral. If you feel that you are at risk, call your doctor and say you are interested in a low - dose CT scan.

The Breathe Easy mobile lung CT coach serves 11 counties in Tennessee, eight counties in North Georgia, and two counties in Northeast Alabama. Screenings will be offered at the locations listed below.