Local hospitals are offering low-dose CT scans to smokers to screen for lung cancer.
Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, a partnership of Mary Washington Healthcare and Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg, began a screening program earlier this month. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center also offers the service.
The low-dose CT scans are aimed at current and former smokers in an attempt to identify cancerous tumors early, when treatment for lung cancer can make a difference. Unfortunately, most cases of lung cancer are not diagnosed until treatment will only extend the number of weeks a person lives instead of eliminating the disease.
The program is available for persons aged 55-75 who have the equivalent of a pack-a-day cigarette habit for 30 years. The imaging costs $325 at Medical Imaging of Fredricksburg and $375 at Spotsylvania; typically not covered by insurance and payable by the patient. Continue Reading
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