News

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. and the second most common form of cancer in both men and women. Early detection is associated with better patient outcomes. Most often, people with early lung cancer have few or no symptoms, so finding lung cancer early is critical in saving lives. Mary Rutan Health is now offering low-dose CT screening (LDCT) to those eligible to help identify lung cancer using the minimum amount of radiation.

Medicare and many private insurers now cover the cost of an annual LDCT for those who meet all the following criteria:

• Are between the ages of 50-77 years old and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
• Have no symptoms of lung cancer
• Smoke the equivalent of at least one pack of cigarettes a day for at least 20 years
• Have a written order from a physician or qualified health care practitioner

LDCT lung screening is a simple exam. No preparation is needed, no medications are given, and no needles are used. You simply need to lie still for a few minutes on a table while the scanning is performed using a CT machine. The exam takes approximately fifteen minutes to complete.

“Screening is best with low-dose CT scan. This imaging test can detect nodules up to 10 times smaller than those seen on an x-ray. It offers the best chance of finding lung cancer in its earliest, most curable stages”, said Dr. Jeffrey Weiland, Mary Rutan Health Pulmonologist.

After the screening, a radiologist reviews the scan and reports the results to your doctor. Every scan is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist at Mary Rutan Health, many of whom are American College of Radiology fellows.

If you meet the criteria, you can contact your primary care physician to schedule a counseling visit. Once your physician determines you are qualified for the screening, they will provide a written order, and will get you scheduled for your LDCT lung screening.

About Mary Rutan Health

Mary Rutan Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization with a comprehensive and integrated system of inpatient, outpatient, and community services connected to meet all community members' health and wellness needs. In addition to the hospital, multiple off-site locations exist in a five-county region, including Logan, Champaign, Hardin, Auglaize and Shelby. Together, Mary Rutan Health team members deliver award-winning services recognized by patients and their families and independent organizations that rank the hospital among the best. More information about Mary Rutan Health can be found at www.maryrutan.org.