Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. Lung cancer screening, however, can detect cancer in its earliest stages, when it is more easily treated.

If any of the following risk factors apply to you, you may want to talk to your doctor about completing a lung cancer screening:

• 50 years old and older
• Family history of cancer
• History of smoking or currently a smoker

Low-dose computerized tomography (CT) screening

The oncology department at our hospital is the first in Charlotte County to offer low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer. These screenings use small doses of radiation to capture images of the lungs. With these images, radiologists can view suspicious areas, which may require further testing.

According to a National Cancer Institute study, smokers who were screened for cancer with low-dose CT screenings instead of chest X-rays had a 15 to 20 percent lower chance of dying from the disease.

Low-dose CT screenings at our hospital include:

• The imaging procedure
• A radiologist's interpretation of the exam
• A report of the findings
• Continuum of care recommendations
• A list of follow-up procedures from a multidisciplinary team of physicians (if needed)

Screenings are covered by most forms of insurance.

As a Community Cancer Program accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer, we are proud to provide you with advanced lung cancer treatments. Our hospital is the first in Charlotte County to provide an interventional lung solution for hard-to-reach lesions. We offer a minimally invasive option to locate, perform a biopsy and plan treatment for a lesion detected deep in the lung.

For more information on lung cancer screenings and treatments, please call our oncology nurse navigator at (941) 624-8318.