Tobacco Cessation. 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.
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, a smoking
cessation program 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.
