Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths (www.cancer.org). Lung cancer screenings increase the chances of finding lung cancer in a very early stage when it’s most likely to be cured.
Effective February 15, 2022, Medicare approved new guidelines which broaden eligibility for annual lung cancer screenings. These new guidelines widen the age parameters and lower the number of smoking history pack-years – allowing more people to get this life-saving screening.
The new guidelines recommend annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for those who meet the following criteria:
- Adults aged 50 to 80 years old (or 77 years old under Medicare)
- Who have a 20 pack-year smoking history, AND
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
Do you qualify for a screening? To learn more about SSM Health’s lung cancer screening and treatment options, please visit https://www.ssmhealth.com/cancer/lung-cancer.
