For most people, screening tests for early detection of lung, esophageal, and other thoracic cancers are not recommended. Generally, these cancers are diagnosed based on unusual or concerning symptoms that patients report to a primary care physician, pulmonologist (lung specialist), or gastroenterologist. They also may be diagnosed as an incidental finding on imaging studies done for some other reason.
Chester County Hospital does offer a lung cancer screening program for patients considered to be at high risk. The program uses low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans to screen patients yearly. The screening program follows national guidelines and is recommended for adults between the ages of 50 - 80 (Medicare covers ages 55-77) who:
- Have a “20-pack-year” history of smoking (A pack year is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked daily, multiplied by the number of years smoking, such as a pack a day for 20 pack years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years)
- Meet the above criteria and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years
- Have no symptoms or history of lung cancer
Please consult with your insurance carrier to verify payment coverage.