Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide. However, of the top four deadliest cancers in the U.S., lung cancer is the only one not subject to routine screening.
Prepare for a screening
-Your primary care physician must order a CT scan of the chest.
-Call 913.588.1227 or 800.332.6048 to see if you qualify. Our staff will pre-screen you over the phone to determine if you are at high risk for developing lung cancer. If you are, they will schedule your lung screening.
Recent research results have determined that low-dose CT scan is the most successful in detecting lung cancer in those at risk. The University of Kansas Hospital is determined to help bring awareness and accessibility of this testing to all people at high risk by offering low-dose CT lung screening to current and former smokers who have no symptoms of lung cancer.
Eligibility
To qualify for this screening, you must meet the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or NCCN, high-risk criteria:
Group 1: 55-74 years old
- Are currently a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years
or
Group 2: 50 or older
- Are currently a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years
- Have one additional lung cancer risk factor, not including secondhand smoke exposure
Call 913.588.1227 or 800.332.6048 to see if you qualify. A lung screening questionnaire will be completed over the phone to determine if you meet the NCCN high-risk criteria. If you do,we will schedule you for a LDCT lung screening.
How to prepare
Please speak with your primary care physician and let him or her know that you qualify and are scheduled for a lung screening CT. We will need an order for LDCT lung screening from your physician before your screening exam. Our nurse navigator can assist in obtaining the order.
Because this procedure is new for lung cancer screening, it may not be covered by your insurance.We will bill your insurance provider. If not covered, you will be charged $240, which includes coordination with your primary care physician, a face-to-face meeting to discuss results with the nurse navigator and same-day results.
What to expect
The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back. Pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to help you remain still during the exam.The table will move slowly through the CT machine as the actual scanning is performed. You will be asked to hold your breath during the scanning.
When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are accurate. The actual CT scanning takes less than 10 seconds, but the entire appointment process is usually completed within one hour.
Depending on the results, you will be advised about the need for continued screening or additional testing and treatment. We will immediately mail the results to your physician who placed the lung screening order.
Treads & Threads supports lung cancer screenings
The low-dose CT scanning software used in screenings for people at high risk for lung cancer was funded through proceeds from The University of Kansas Hospital's 11th annual Treads & Threads gala September 7 at Kansas Speedway.
Resources
While we are committed to offer this lifesaving technology, we continue to encourage everyone who smokes to quit. Quitting smoking is the best defense against lung cancer. We recommend the following resources to help you:
For more information
- 913.588.1227
- 800.332.6048
Lung Cancer Screening Location
The University of Kansas Hospital – Indian Creek Campus
10720 Nall Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66211
General driving directions from I-435
Take Nall Avenue Exit from I-435. Go north to 107th Street. Turn left (west) approximately 1/10 of a mile. Turn left (south) into the Indian Creek Campus. At stop sign, turn left. Then take the second right (this will be the right turn after the second speed bump). The University of Kansas Hospital - Indian Creek Campus will be on the right.