Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Advanced screenings to detect lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages can significantly improve survival rates.
Who Should Get Screened?
Lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Adults aged 50 to 80 years
- Current smokers or former smokers who quit within the past 15 years
- Those with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack per day for 20 years or equivalent)
If you meet these criteria, talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling a screening.
What to Expect
Our lung cancer screening program utilizes a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, which is a quick and painless imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the lungs. The procedure:
- Takes only a few minutes
- Requires no needles or contrast dye
- Uses a significantly lower radiation dose than a standard CT scan
Results from your screening will be reviewed by our expert radiologists, and if any abnormalities are detected, our multidisciplinary team will guide you through the next steps.
Incidental Lung Nodule Program
The Incidental Lung Nodule Program at GWU Hospital specializes in the evaluation, risk assessment, and management of incidentally detected lung nodules in imaging studies. Our goal is to provide prompt, evidence-based care for patients with pulmonary nodules and ensure that they are followed up appropriately for better patient outcomes.
Lung nodules are an increasingly common finding in imaging studies. Some estimates suggest that over 30% of CT scans detect a lung nodule and that 1.6 million patients are found to have a lung nodule each year. Often, lung nodules are found on imaging performed for an unrelated reason.
Although most lung nodules are benign, a small percentage of them may be cancer or require further workup. Evaluation and monitoring of incidentally detected lung nodules can help to diagnose lung cancer at earlier stages when it is most treatable. Improper or nonexistent follow-up can negatively impact patient outcomes. Approximately 2 out of 3 patients with incidental pulmonary nodules do not receive adequate radiographic and clinical follow-up.
The Incidental Lung Nodule Program was therefore created at GW to efficiently evaluate, manage, and follow patients with lung nodules. The evaluation of incidental nodules has become increasingly complex, and many times, overlooked. Our team will carefully assess and follow nodules according to criteria guidelines, patient history, and risk factors. Our program is designed to ensure that patients found to have a lung nodule receive the appropriate follow-up and evaluation and do not “fall through the cracks.” This program opens a new path for the early detection of lung cancer.
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Refer a Patient to our Lung Nodule Clinic:
- Providers may refer patients to our clinic for evaluation of lung nodules. Call 1-855-GWLUNGS and select option 2.
Patient Self-referral:
Contact us at 1-855-GWLUNGS, option 2, to be evaluated in our lung nodule clinic.
Schedule Your Screening
Don’t wait — early detection can make all the difference. If you or a loved one is at risk for lung cancer, contact your healthcare provider to learn more about our screening program and schedule an appointment.