Lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer mortality among both men and women in the United States—contributes to roughly 25 percent of cancer deaths. In fact, more people die from lung cancer than from colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020, over 280,000 Americans will be diagnosed and more than 135,000 people will die from lung cancer. Karmanos Cancer Institute is aiming to turn the tide on these statistics.
With the adoption of low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT), Karmanos can effectively screen, detect and track suspicious-looking lung nodules before they become cancerous. “We follow nodules the same way a coast guard follows ships,” said David Sternberg, M.D., a member of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team and a thoracic surgeon. “Lots of patients have nodules. It’s the behavior of the nodules that we watch out for.”
Based in Detroit, Karmanos is one of only two National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in Michigan. Laura Mantha, RN, BSN, OCN—senior research nurse and coordinator at the Lung Cancer Screening Program—notes that early detection can increase survivability rates by 20 percent. “The whole goal is to catch the cancer early and to treat it. It’s an important screening tool that we have evidence to support and it helps decrease the incidence of lung cancer deaths.”
Innovative lung cancer detection led by a team of lung cancer specialists: Noninvasive low-dose spiral CT scanning has a higher scanning resolution and an ability to detect nodules that’s 10-fold greater than a standard chest X-ray. Standard X-rays can only detect nodules 30 millimeters or larger. The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST), run by The National Cancer Institute, found that participants who received low-dose spiral CT scans had up to a 20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than participants who received standard chest X-rays.
At Karmanos, specialists deal specifically with lung cancers and approach each patient with expertise. “Our program isn’t run by a single radiologist,” Dr. Sternberg said. “All we do is treat lung cancer every day. The sheer number of people who specialize in treating lung cancer and conducting research into lung cancer” gives Karmanos the added expertise when it comes to successfully catching lung cancer early so that it can be treated successfully.
At Karmanos, specialists deal specifically with lung cancers and approach each patient with expertise. “Our program isn’t run by a single radiologist,” Dr. Sternberg said. “All we do is treat lung cancer every day. The sheer number of people who specialize in treating lung cancer and conducting research into lung cancer” gives Karmanos the added expertise when it comes to successfully catching lung cancer early so that it can be treated successfully.
Learn more about Lung Cancer Screening at Karmanos
Individuals who do qualify for lung cancer screening should have a yearly screening CT scan. Those who qualify are:
- Men and women aged 55-80
- Current smokers or former smokers who quit no more than 15 years ago, with at least 30-pack-year smoking history
- Individuals who have smoked one pack a day for 30 years
- Individuals who have smoked 2 packs a day for 15 years
What patients can expect:
- Office visit: Karmanos physician discusses risks and benefits of lung cancer screening
- CT scans and CT scan review: Karmanos radiologist examines scans for abnormalities—any changes will be tracked annually and primary care providers are sent copies of all reports
- Follow-up care: Radiologist may recommend follow up for further tests
Insurance Coverage
- Medicare and many private insurance companies cover the cost of lung cancer screening CT scans
- Patients should check with their health insurance plans to determine if this is a covered benefit
- Patients are responsible for any deductible and/or co-pay
- If an abnormality is found, future scans and further workup are likely to be covered by insurance
For patients diagnosed with a cancerous lung nodule, Karmanos can provide treatments often not found at other hospitals and health organizations in Michigan. To request a lung cancer screening, please call 1-800-KARMANOS or fill out an online appointment request.