Lung Cancer Screening saves lives. In recognition of November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Lung Cancer Screening Day on November 8, ChristianaCare urges individuals who have a history of smoking to prioritize their health by scheduling low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. These scans play a crucial role in detecting lung cancer at an early stage, significantly improving the chances for effective treatment and recovery.
“The key to effectively identifying lung cancer is through early detection when it is most treatable,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., the Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. Unfortunately, many cases are not discovered until advanced stages, leaving limited treatment options. “At ChristianaCare, we emphasize the importance of early screening. We encourage individuals to take proactive steps—get screened and stay educated. Together, we can make strides in the fight against lung cancer.”
Show Your Support: Wear White for #lungcancerawareness
ChristianaCare invites everyone to wear white during the month of November to demonstrate solidarity with those affected by lung cancer. Show your support for lung cancer awareness by taking photos in your white attire and sharing them using the hashtag #lungcancerawareness.
Who should get screened in Delaware and Maryland?
In 2025, an estimated 226,650 new cases of lung cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States. Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor, accounting for approximately 86% of lung cancer cases in the US, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the American Cancer Society.
Heavy smoking is defined as a smoking history of 20 “pack years” or more. A “pack year” is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, making early detection essential for saving lives.
The following are eligibility requirements for lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan:
- Be between 50 and 80 years old AND
- Have a history of heavy smoking AND
- Are a current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years AND
- Haven’t received a CT scan of the lungs in the past 12 months.
- Have had a shared decision conversation with a health care provider.
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies cover the full cost of these scans as part of preventive care benefits. Individuals should always contact their insurance provider about their plan’s coverage details.
For more information, or to schedule a CT scan, call 302-623-0052 or http://christianacare.org/lung-screenings
To book a scan at a Cecil County Imaging location, call 410-392-7050.
CT scans are quick, quiet, painless and noninvasive. The scan passes twice over the chest and back, which takes less than 15 minutes. Patients usually will receive the results in one to two weeks.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from guarding your health. Early detection saves lives. Talk to your health care provider soon.