A Lung Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life

American College of Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Center BadgeLung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women; about one out of four cancer deaths are from lung cancer. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society® (ACS). One reason for the low survival rate is that lung cancer is often recognized in its later stages, when it is most difficult to treat and the course of action for patients is limited.

People who are at high risk for lung cancer can significantly improve their chances of surviving the disease if it is detected in its earliest stages. By making an appointment to have a lung screening at South Texas Health System McAllen as part of its Lung Cancer Program, survival rate may improve through earlier detection, accurate diagnosis, accurate localization and curative therapy.

Screenings for Cash Patients Are Now Only $85!*

Low-dose lung CT screening exams are for those over 55 at risk for lung cancer. If lung cancer is found at an earlier stage, you have a better chance of living longer. Low-dose CT scans save more lives compared to traditional X-rays.

Pre-registration is required for a lung cancer screening. Call 956-388-2190 to schedule an appointment.

*Cash price

Before your first lung cancer screening, you'll need to meet with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of lung cancer screening. You and your doctor can decide whether a lung cancer screening is right for you.

Smokers are at High Risk

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the ACS have recommended screening smokers who are 55 to 74 years old; that have smoked a pack of cigarettes or more a day for 30 years or longer and who are still smoking or who quit less than 15 years ago.

The NCCN also recommends screening smokers 50 and older who have smoked a pack of cigarettes or more a day for 20 years or longer and have one additional risk factor for lung cancer (radon exposure or occupational exposure to certain chemicals).

Who is Eligible?

Medicare Part B covers a lung cancer screening using Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) once a year. Medicare Part B covers the cost of a lung cancer screening if all of the following conditions are met:

  • Aged 55 - 77
  • Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
  • Either a current smoker or has quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • A smoking history of at least 30 "pack years" (an average of one pack a day for 30 years)
  • A written order from their physician or a qualified non-physician practitioner for a lung cancer screening.

Registration

Pre-registration for a lung cancer screening is required. To pre-register, call 956-388-2190. Screenings for cash patients are now only $85!

Follow-up Care

If patients require further treatment, a team of pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists and radiologists at South Texas Health System McAllen will be involved in interventions and follow-up treatment options.

Pre-registration is required for a lung cancer screening. Call 956-388-2190 to schedule an appointment.