Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. If you are ready to quit any form of tobacco, Altru Health System’s Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists are here to help.
Please call 701.780.5347 to talk to a specialist.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. Today, new research shows that low-dose CT (LDCT) screening can detect lung cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
Description
The Lung Cancer screening program at Altru Health System provides an assessment of lung cancer risk and low-dose lung CT for those who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. This program provides individualized, evidenced-based care based on the results from the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) and years of clinical research. Benefits and potential risks of screening are discussed during your consultation. In addition, tobacco and nicotine dependency treatment is offered for current smokers. This program offers management recommendations of any findings and continuity of care, as well as ongoing monitoring.
Who is eligible for the screening?
- Individuals between the ages of 50-77 who are current or former smokers
- Individuals who have smoked 20 or more pack-years (the number of years smoked multiplied by the number of packs per day)
- Former smokers who quit within the last 15 years
Speak with your primary care provider to see if you qualify for lung cancer screenings.
How Do I Get One?
If you think you qualify for a lung cancer screening, talk with your primary care provider and together decide if it is right for you. If it is right for you, then your provider can put in the order and work with you to make an appointment for a low dose CT scan. If everything is normal, it is suggested to follow up with annual scans as long as it continues to be the right choice for you and you still meet the qualifications. Abnormal scans will be followed up with by your provider per the recommendations of the radiologist.
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For additional information call Altru Cancer Center at 701.780.5400.
