CHI Memorial’s mobile lung CT coach will provide computerized tomography (CT) screenings at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga on Sunday, June 3 from 1-4 p.m.; Bessie Smith Cultural Center on Monday, June 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fraternal Order of Eagles on Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Life Care Center of Hixson on Friday, June 29 from noon-4 p.m.
"Lung cancer screening is a test to look for signs of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people. The low-dose CT scan shows a 3-D image of your lungs that is clearer and more detailed than regular x-rays, allowing doctors to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stage, before there are any symptoms. This is when lung cancer is most curable. The whole process takes less than ten minutes and there is no need to do anything special to prepare for the screening," officials said.
The low-dose CT lung cancer scan has been shown to improve survival by 20 percent according to The National Lung Screening Trial by the National Cancer Institute.
Factors that put you at high risk of developing lung cancer include:
- Age 50 or greater;
- Smoking history;
- Family history of cancer; or
- Exposure to cancer causing agents (asbestos, diesel fumes, Radon, coal smoke, soot, etc.)
Private insurance companies cover lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals. Medicare and Medicaid also cover lung cancer screening. If you feel that you are at risk, call 423-495-LUNG (5864) to schedule your appointment.