VCU Medical Center to offer free lung CT scans again in November

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In observance of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center will again offer a limited number of free low-dose chest CT scans to qualifying high-risk patients in November. Last year’s program at VCU Medical Center resulted in the discovery and successful treatment of cases of otherwise unsuspected lung cancers.

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women worldwide, is expected to claim nearly 160,000 American lives this year. In Virginia alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 5,000 new diagnoses of lung cancer this year, and that more than 4,000 Virginians will die from lung cancer. Of the top four deadliest cancers in the U.S. (lung, breast, prostate and colorectal), lung cancer is the only one not subject to routine screening.

Low-dose CT lung scans can save lives by providing early detection. In many patients, symptoms do not appear until the disease has spread and is difficult to treat. VCU Medical Center was recently designated as a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology, becoming one of the first in the state to earn the designation.

Long-term heavy current or former smokers aged 55-80 may qualify to receive a free lung cancer screen from the VCU Department of Radiology. To determine eligibility and to schedule a scan, call (804) 828-3768, or visit http://www.vculungscan.com for more information.

The National Lung Screening Trial, a large National Cancer Institute-sponsored trial, confirmed that screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer with an annual low-dose CT scan of the chest reduced lung cancer deaths by up to 20 percent. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) also has recently endorsed these for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk people.

While the Lung CT screening exam is free, any additional testing or evaluation performed as a result of recommendations arising from the Lung CT screening exam is not free of charge. A screening does not obligate a return visit to VCU Medical Center for any further screenings or for any other services that VCU Medical Center provides.