How to Get Screened for Lung Cancer

Doctors believe that lung cancer is most likely to be treated successfully when detected early. Lung cancer, which involves the unrestricted growth of abnormal cells and tumors on or in the lungs, can spread quickly if left undetected. Those who get screened for lung cancer during its early stages generally have a greater chance of successful treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact your insurance company to find out whether lung cancer screening is covered by your plan. In most cases, managed care health plans will offer some sort of coverage for cancer screenings. However, many unmanaged plans may not cover the cost of the screening.
2. Find out whether you're an ideal candidate for screening. While every individual may request to be screened, screening is recommended for certain groups of people more than others. These include those over the age of 50, smokers and former smokers who quit less than 10 years prior.
3. Your doctor must arrange the screening. He or she will need to contact the radiology department of your local hospital to make all of the arrangements. Most radiology units operate on a referral basis and thus you will be unable to schedule an appointment on your own.
4. Arrive at your appointment with clothing that is easy to remove and no jewelry.
5. During the screening you may be asked to lie flat on your back and hold your breath for 30 seconds. The entire exam generally lasts around 15 minutes.
6. Ask your doctor how your results will be delivered. In the vast majority of cases, your results will be delivered directly to your doctor, who will then contact you for a follow-up consultation. In some instances, you may be able to request a copy of your results by mail.
7. Radiologists are not at liberty to discuss results with you during the exam. While you're free to ask questions about the exam itself, you should not expect the radiologist to provide you with answers about your condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Under the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, you have the right to access your medical record and all test results.
• No matter what the results of your screening, make positive lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco smoke and eating a diet high in antioxidants.
• Just hearing the words "lung cancer" is enough to make most people apprehensive. Your feelings are completely normal. It may help to seek out a cancer support group so you can vocalize your emotions and learn how to deal with the feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis.