Lung Cancer Screening Program

Every year, approximately 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with lung cancer and 159,000 people die from lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. A history of cigarette smoking continues to be by far and away the leading cause of lung cancer.

Despite these grim statistics, there is good news about lung cancer. The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial reveals that annual CT low dose scans can reduce lung cancer deaths by as much as 20%. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual CT screening for smokers and former smokers based upon mounting evidence that lung cancer screening with CT can save lives.

In cooperation with the Rhode Island Medical Imaging (RIMI), the Roger Williams Cancer Center conducts a Lung Cancer Screening Program.

To be considered for lung cancer screening, patients should be:

• Between the ages of 55 and 77
• Have a cigarette smoking history of 30 pack-years (e.g. 1 pack per day for 30 years, or 2 packs per day for 15 years)
• Former smokers must have quit within the last 15 years
• Patients must obtain a referral from their primary care physician
• The Lung Cancer Screening Program is directed by Terrance Healey, MD, a board certified radiologist who completed a fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Thoracic Radiology.

To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at the Lung Nodule Clinic, please call 401-456-2015.

To schedule a CT Lung Cancer Screening exam, please call 401-456-5701.