Education: Lung Cancer

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans for Lung Cancer

A low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan has been proven to be effective in identifying lung cancer when it is most treatable.

Utilizing a combination of x-ray techniques and computer technology, low-dose CT scans produce high quality images while reducing radiation dose. Radiologists customize each CT scan to each patient, following low-dose radiation protocols to reduce radiation exposure by as much as 50 to 80 percent. The CT scanner uses an x-ray source similar to that used to obtain ordinary chest x-rays, however, the x-ray beam is so tightly focused that portions of the body outside of the scanned region get relatively little x-ray exposure.

The low-dose scan takes less than 60 seconds to complete

During the chest scan, patients must hold their breath for a few seconds.A computer creates 3-D images of small sections of the lung that offer excellent detail and enable the detection of very tiny lung lesions that are often smaller than one centimeter. Radiologists who specialize in evaluating lung CT scans review the results. The CT scan results are shared with the patient and the referring physician. Patient navigators are available to assist patients with scheduling the necessary follow up including appointments with oncologists to discuss appropriate treatment plans as well as with specialists to address benign findings.

Patients who are eligible and decide to get screened have a better chance of detecting lung cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage. Generally, by the time lung cancer signs and symptoms are noticeable, the cancer is usually at a very late stage. Detecting it early gives patients a chance for better outcomes.

DID YOU KNOW?

ScreenNJ Screening Statistics

New-Jerseyans screened in 2023

Screenings completed across
the Garden State

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Cancers and other significant
findings detected

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Why Should You Get Screened?

One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime

Overall, cancer is the second leading cause of death (behind heart disease) in both the United States and in New Jersey. Among the more than 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually, common screening-detectable cancers — such as breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers — account for nearly half of all new cases among both men and women in New Jersey.

Early diagnosis of cancer offers the best chance for successful treatment. When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment, and higher costs of care.

Visit our Education page to learn more about various cancer types and screening options.

Types of Screenings Available:

Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
HPV-Related Cancers
Colorectal Cancer
Genetically-Linked Cancers
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Skin Cancer

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Learn More About Patient Navigation

Patient navigators are trained, culturally competent healthcare professionals who work with patients, families, physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure cancer patients’ needs are appropriately and effectively addressed.

Get connected to a navigator to gain assistance with qualification, scheduling, transportation, and more.

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Now Offering:

Patient navigation for care coordination
Education and outreach
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History and physical examinations
Laboratory testing
Referrals and authorizations

Who Qualifies for Screening?

The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Screening Program (NJCEED) is part of the New Jersey Department of Health.

NJCEED provides comprehensive screening services for breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer. The services include education, outreach, early detection, case management, screening, tracking, and follow-up. Breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancers can be treated more effectively when found early.

Persons eligible for these services must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and be uninsured or under-insured. For more information, please call 1-800-328-3838 or locate a screening location here.

Screening for cancer is covered with no deductible or co-pay by many insurance plans including Medicare, and patients with no insurance may be able to receive recommended cancer screenings at their NJ CEED agency or at other ScreenNJ partner sites. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.

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