Lung Cancer Risk Assessment

This tool is designed to give you insight as to the health of your lungs and the likelihood of developing lung cancer in the future based on your current status. It is not meant to replace clinical findings from your health care provider. It simply offers directional guidance about your lung health. Ready to get started?

Talk to a Lung Screening Specialist

Click here to connect with a MercyOne Genesis Lung Screening specialist or call (563) 421-LUNG (5864).

It’s Time to Put Your Lung Health First.

Every 2.5 minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in the United States, but is the leading cause of cancer death in men and in women. Early detection through lung cancer screening can increase the survival rate by 55 percent. From annual screening to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, our team of thoracic tumor experts will guide you through your lung health journey at MercyOne Genesis facilities, close to home.

What is Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening is a test to look for lung cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.

The screening exam is performed using a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan at any MercyOne Genesis imaging center. During the test, you will lie on a table while the CT scanner uses a small amount of radiation to create digital pictures of your lungs. The test is painless and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Should I Be Screened?

Lung Cancer screening is recommended for patients who:

• Have a history of heavy smoking (20 pack years or more)
• Are current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
• Are between 50 and 80 years old

Screening may not be for you if:

• you already have symptoms of lung cancer.
• you have other medical problems that make it unsafe to have lung surgery.
• you are unwilling to have treatment for lung cancer.

Call your doctor or speak to our Nodule Clinic Coordinator at (563) 421-5864 if you are unsure if screening is right for you.

What will I pay for a lung cancer screening?

• Medicare patients meeting the risk criteria age 50 – 77 are covered with no out-of-pocket cost.
• Most private insurance covers lung cancer screening for people meeting risk criteria age 50 – 80 with no out-of-pocket costs. For screenings performed at MercyOne Genesis, our insurance team will obtain authorization from your insurance prior to the screening exam.
• You and your insurance company may be responsible for costs associated with additional tests and treatments after your initial screening – if something suspicious is found during the screening.

Meet Our Team

What to Expect at Your Lung Cancer Screening

A lung cancer screening is a preventative test that checks your lungs for any signs of disease before symptoms have occurred. The goal of a lung cancer screening is to detect cancer in its earliest stages. If you have been qualified as a candidate for a lung cancer screening, here’s what to expect during your screening.

3-D Imaging of Your Lungs

A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is the most recommended screening to detect lung cancer at an early and treatable stage. The LDCT scan uses specialized x-ray equipment to create 3-D images of your lungs. This allows your doctor to see a more detailed, cross-section picture to examine your lung tissue. Although this scan may expose you to a low dose of radiation, it uses 75 percent less radiation than a normal CT scan – showing more detail than a normal chest x-ray.

Fast and Painless Process

Lung cancer screenings are quick and painless! While you’re at your screening, your technician will have you remove any metal you are wearing and change into a gown before you go into the machine. You’ll be positioned on your back on a table, which will then move through the CT scanner. The machine will pass x-rays through the body, producing detailed images of your lungs. During this scanning process, any motion – even breathing – could blur the image. You’ll need to hold your breath for five to 10 seconds at a time. The entire scan takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

No Down-Time Required

You’ll be able to leave right after your lung cancer screening with no down-time required. There are no adverse effects reported after a screening, and you’re able to drive yourself home right after.

Most Patients Screened Do Not Have Lung Cancer

Although you may be anxious about your test results, it’s important to know that more than 75 percent of people who are screened do not have any abnormal findings. Less than 5% of screened patients are diagnosed with lung cancer. Screenings are used to perform regular checks so you can stay on top of your health and detect any signs of disease before there are any symptoms. If you have an abnormal test result, there is a chance that it’s a false alarm and requires further testing, but stricter guidelines have been implemented to reduce the amount of false-positive results.

What We Offer

When you receive a lung cancer screening at MercyOne Genesis, you’ll find:

• Fellowship-Trained Pulmonologists – MercyOne Genesis is home to five fellowship-trained pulmonologists. Fellowship training provides physicians with an even higher level of study and accomplishment to their already rigorous medical education, giving them added insight, experience and expertise. Our lung doctors offer a variety of advanced bronchoscopy procedures at GMC-Davenport and GMC-Silvis, and are the area leaders in pulmonary nodule diagnosis and treatment, meaning you can stay close to home for your care instead of traveling elsewhere.
• MercyOne Genesis Nodule Clinic – Patients found with a pulmonary nodule upon screening may be referred to the MercyOne Genesis Nodule Clinic, the only clinic with a dedicated Nurse Coordinator to help guide the patient through their pulmonary nodule journey.
• Multidisciplinary Thoracic Tumor Team – Our experts in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, oncology, radiology and pathology meet bimonthly to collaborate on a treatment plan for each patient with a suspected or confirmed lung cancer diagnosis. Together, the team devises a comprehensive care plan specific to each patient’s needs.
• Lung Cancer Screening and Nodule Coordinator – Your lung screening and diagnostic journey is guided by our Nurse Coordinator, who is there to assist and support you along the way. She is there to ensure you complete every step and advocates for your health every step of the way.
• Multiple Locations – MercyOne Genesis offers low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) at multiple imaging locations, making it convenient for you to get your lung cancer screening. If a nodule is found on your screening exam, MercyOne Genesis has pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and oncologists in both Iowa and Illinois, keeping your care close to home.
• Seamless Transition to the MercyOne Genesis Cancer Center – If your lung screening journey involves a diagnosis of lung cancer, and the need for infusion and/or radiation therapy, your care is seamlessly transitioned to the MercyOne Genesis Cancer Care Institute. There, our medical oncologists will work in collaboration with your pulmonologist to develop the treatment plan best for you.

Talk to a Specialist

Click here to connect with a MercyOne Genesis Lung Screening specialist or call (563) 421-LUNG (5864).