ScreeningS are available in:

acworth | austell | Douglasville | canton east cobb | Hiram | Marietta | Woodstock

How much time should I set aside for my appointment?

Because some delays are inevitable, we recommend

you set aside 45 minutes for your appointment.

The actual scanning process takes only about five

minutes including the set-up and scan time. The

scan itself takes only a few seconds.

Who interprets the scans?

A board-certified radiologist that has special

training and is experienced in interpreting

these types of tests analyzes each CT scan. The

radiologist’s findings are reviewed by a diverse

team of physicians in WellStar’s STAT Thoracic

Multi-disciplinary Consultation Center. These

physicians have special training and expertise

in lung cancer screening and are committed to

following best published practices to avoid over-

treatment and unnecessary invasive procedures.

How do I prepare for the screening?There is no special preparation for this exam.

You may eat and drink prior to your test. The

test is quick, painless and does not involve any

intravenous injections.

How long will it take to get the results?Results will be mailed to you and your physician

within one week. If a lung cancer is suspected,

you will be notified by telephone and immediate

arrangements will be made for a physician

specializing in lung cancer treatment to meet

with you.

Lung Cancer Screening

To schedule your lung cancer Screening,

call 770-956-STAR (7827).

Sources:

US Mortality Data, 1969-2007, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011.

“Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Screening.” New England Journal of Medicine 365.5 (2011): 395-409.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “Cigarette Smoking Among Adults-United States, 2006,” November 6, 2007/56 (44): 1157-1166. 9/11

WellStar’s Lung Cancer Screening Program is endorsed by the Lung Cancer Alliance and is in compliance with

National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) Guidelines For Patients as a screening site.

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in

America. With over 155,000 deaths per year, lung

cancer kills more people than breast, colon and

prostate cancer combined. Lung cancer can be

highly curable when found early, but it has been

historically difficult to detect, that is until now.

Research shows that screening using a low-

dose CT scan can help detect early

lung cancer before clinical signs or

symptoms become evident. Early stage

cancers can be more easily treated and more

frequently cured than later stage cancers.

Screening for lung cancer is not a one time test,

but a process that involves a periodic evaluation

of your lungs over time to look for newly

emerging cancer. The capability of CT scanners

to detect tiny lung nodules and to compare the

nodules for changes in size over time is critical to

the screening process.

Is screening right for me? If you have a history of heavy smoking or

exposure to tobacco smoke, it could be. The

data from a national screening trial found 20%

fewer lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers

ages 55 to 75 screened with CT scans compared

to those screened with chest x-rays. Anyone

concerned about lung cancer and considering a

screening CT can speak with his or her physician

about the risks and benefits. Since the results are

new, some physicians may not yet be aware of

the benefits of a screening CT exam.

How much does this screening cost?The fee for a Lung Cancer Screening is $199 for

an individual, or $299 per couple, which is due

at the time of service. Cash, credit or check are

accepted. This fee is all-inclusive and includes

the CT scan, interpretation by a board-certified

radiologist and review of the results by a board-

certified pulmonologist (lung specialist).

Will my insurance cover the cost of my screening exam?CT scans to screen a person without symptoms

for lung cancer are not yet covered by Medicare,

nor most insurance companies. We are hopeful

this may change in the future. In the meantime,

you may use a Flexible Spending or Healthcare

Savings Account to pay for the exam, and it may

be tax deductible as a medical expense.

Who is eligible for this screening?Anyone 50 years of age or older with a history of smoking, secondhand tobacco smoke exposure or exposure to occupational or environmental cancer causing substances. You are not eligible for this

screening exam if you:

• Have had a chest CT within the past 12 months • Have a history of pulmonary fibrosis • Are pregnant • Have a history of cancer (except non-melanoma

skin cancer) unless disease-free for five years

For those who don’t meet the above screening criteria, a physician’s order is required. Please speak with your physician or call 678-594-4302 to schedule an appointment with a WellStar pulmonologist (lung specialist) to discuss the risks

and benefits of screening.

I’ve never smoked, or quit years ago. Am I at risk for lung cancer?

Former smokers represent 60% of all lung cancer cases. The longer you have stopped smoking, the lower your risk of lung cancer relative to someone who continues to smoke; however, smoking does permanent damage to the lungs, so the increased risk of lung cancer never totally resolves. Yes, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer; however, it is not the only cause. Statistics show one in five women and one in 12 men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Never smokers represent approximately 18% of people diagnosed with lung cancer. Secondhand smoke exposure increases your risk. Other risk factors include exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens. You may also be at increased risk if you have a family history of lung cancer.

To schedule your lung cancer Screening,

call 770-956-STAR (7827).