Nanticoke Health Services has unveiled a new low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) lung cancer screening program aimed at detecting lung cancer earlier and reducing lung cancer deaths.
The program is for high-risk patients who may have undiagnosed lung cancer.
Although lung cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, there has been a gap in early cancer detection. “Nanticoke has worked rigorously to create this program which we are thrilled to be able to offer to the Sussex County community,” said Julia Abel, director of Nanticoke Cancer Care Services.
Often, by the time an individual experiences symptoms of lung cancer, the cancer may have already spread. This is what makes lung cancer so dangerous and makes early detection key. When lung cancer is diagnosed and treated early, the survival rate increases to more than 70 percent.
Criteria for most insurances to cover the screening are:
- 55 to 80 years of age
- Current smoker or quit smoking in the past 15 years
- Have a greater than or equal to 30 pack year history – equals 1 pack a day for 30 years
- Do not currently have symptoms of lung cancer
To learn more, talk with your primary care physician who can help you with the decision-making process and if you meet the criteria.
Most insurance covers the host of the screening for those at higher risk. Also, people with no insurance may qualify for Delaware’s Screening for Life program.
Also, people with no insurance may qualify for Delaware’s Screening for Life program. For more information about Nanticoke’s lung cancer screening, visit
For more information, visit www.nanticoke.org/lungcancer.
