Lung Cancer Screening Clinic

Lifespan Cancer Institute

Screening At-Risk Patients for Lung Cancer

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths among men since the early 1950s and, in 1987, surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Nearly 250,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, accounting for 150,000 deaths annually.

Earlier detection is critical to successful lung cancer treatment. Fortunately, access to safe and accurate computerized tomography (CT) technology is giving at-risk patients potentially lifesaving information even before symptoms appear. 

A recent study, called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, demonstrated that when compared to chest x-rays, CT scans reduced lung cancer deaths among older heavy smokers by 20 percent.

Low-dose CT screening for lung nodules is recommended for people who are in the high-risk group for lung cancer. This group includes: 

  • Those between the ages of 50 and 80 and who have at least 20 pack year history of smoking. A pack year history is the number of years smoked multiplied by the average number of packs smoked per day (two packs smoked per day x 10 years of smoking = 20 pack year history).
  • Those who are current smokers or have quit in the past 15 years.

The Lung Cancer Screening Clinic at the Lifespan Cancer Institute is helping to ensure that low-dose CT (LDCT) tests are accurately interpreted and, if needed, patients have access to further diagnostic testing and world-class cancer treatment options.

The clinic is available The Miriam Hospital.

Your Care Team

Our multidisciplinary team includes experienced radiologists, pulmonologists and behavioral medicine staff. We work closely with patients and their families.

Our team is committed to timely communication and close coordination of care with each patient’s primary care physician.

Upon referral, patients will be seen at our Lung Cancer Screening Clinic within two weeks. The visit will include a meeting and evaluation by both a pulmonologist and a member of our behavioral medicine staff to help facilitate timely care.

Lung Cancer Screening Clinic Locations