Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women (not counting skin cancer), and the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women.
Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.
Unfortunately, by the time most lung cancers are detected, they have already spread widely and are at an advanced stage. This makes cancer difficult to treat or cure.
Harrington offers a comprehensive Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening Program. This program can detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, often making the disease more treatable. Our program engages the patient, physician, and radiologist to detect, diagnose and collaborate on a care plan that’s individualized.
Read: Lung Cancer Fact Sheet
Patients critical to be screened are those who:
1) Are between 55 and 77 years of age;
2) Are a current smoker, or someone who quit less than 15 years ago;
3) Have a personal history of 30-pack years
Talk to your primary care physician first. If he/she thinks you are eligible, you will contact our referral line to answer a brief questionnaire to determine if the test is right for you.
The early detection screening test is a simple, fast, and low-dose CT scan ordered by your primary care physician. The exam takes less than 15 minutes to complete, but could be life-saving, as it allows radiologists and physicians to detect any suspicious signs of abnormalities within the lungs.
All adult imaging studies at Harrington are read by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center radiologists.
Most insurances are covering this early detection screening test. Please consult with your insurance company and your doctor’s office for additional information.
Harrington offers CT scan at two locations convenient to our community — Harrington Hospital, at 100 South Street, Southbridge, and Harrington HealthCare at Webster, at 340 Thompson Road, in Webster.
To read about our program’s success, click here.
© 2024 UMass Memorial Health
