WVU Cancer Institute offers self-referral for lung cancer screening

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women in the United States – more than breast, prostate, and colon cancer deaths combined. With the majority of lung cancer cases caused by cigarette smoking, research shows that former or current heavy smokers may benefit from a yearly low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.

Patients with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years who are between the ages of 55 and 77 may self-refer to the WVU Cancer Institute for lung cancer screening. Pack-years are calculated by the number of years a person has smoked and multiplying the average number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day. A low-dose CT scan will look for initial signs of the disease in people who display no current symptoms of lung cancer.

According to the National Lung Screening Trial, early detection with a low-dose CT scan may decrease lung cancer mortality by 20 percent (or one in five deaths due to lung cancer). Low-dose CT scans are covered by both Medicare and most of private insurers.

If cancer is detected, patients are seen at the Center for Lung and Esophageal Oncology in the thoracic surgery lung nodule clinic. The WVU Cancer Institute is one of few centers to offer robotic lung sparing surgery (robotic segmentectomy) for early stage lung cancers. Minimally invasive robotic surgery for lung cancer enables most patients to return home in about two days and get back to work within about a week.

Patients can self-refer using the form here. Primary care providers can also call 855-WVU-CARE to refer the patient to Marquis Demniak, advanced practice professional, who will order the scan for you and make sure your patient is eligible for lung cancer screening.