Lung Health Program
Early detection is the answer.
Breathing new life into lung care
This includes easier access to information and minimally invasive procedures that reduce discomfort and shorten recovery time. We also work to build strong partnerships between the medical community and the public in an effort to increase awareness and promote advocacy for better lung health. Together, we are helping to improve everyone’s well-being and transforming lung care.
Lung Cancer causes more deaths than colon, breast, pancreatic & prostate cancers combined.
You don’t need to be a smoker to get Lung Cancer
80% of lung cancer patients diagnosed today are never smokers or are former smokers who quit decades ago. You don’t need to be a smoker to get lung cancer – but it does increase your risk. Other factors that can increase your risk include a family history of cancer, previous cancer, exposure to certain cancer-causing materials, and more.
Early stage Lung Cancer may show no symptoms
The most important thing to know about lung cancer is that early in the disease it often produces no signs or symptoms at all. That is why it is critical to get screened as soon as possible if you are at risk. In some patients, certain symptoms may appear that indicate the potential presence of lung cancer:
- Chronic cough
- Chest pain
- Hoarse voice
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic fatigue
- Painful lumps
Remember, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If you have one or more risk factors in the Lung Cancer Screening Criteria, please contact a physician.
Do you qualify for a low dose lung cancer screening?
Are you:
- 55-77 yrs of age
- Current or former cigarette smoker of at least 1 pack a day for 30 yrs or 2 packs a day for 15 yrs
If you answered yes to the qualifications above, your insurance company may cover your lung cancer screening. Contact your primary physician for more information, or to request a referral today.
For more information on lung cancer screening at OH please call 315-361-2035.
Participants in the Lung Cancer Screening Program receive:
- A low dose CT scan that can be scheduled Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm.
- A professional reading and interpretation of the CT Scan by a highly trained chest radiologist.
- Free smoking cessation counseling by a certified smoking cessation counselor is available.
- Reminder in one year to schedule another scan if you so desire.
If your doctor sees a spot on your lung that requires further diagnosis there are several options for you to choose from.
Lung Cancer Screening at Oneida Health
Oneida Health is a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. Certified by the American College of Radiology, we have been recognized for our commitment to safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. Equipped with the latest imaging technology in the area, our staff are committed to providing patients a comforting experience with attention to the highest quality of care. We are also a member of the Roswell Park Care Network – providing local access to cancer care from a nationally ranked NCI comprehensive cancer center.
Non-surgical biopsy options:
- Bronchoscopy – A thin, lighted tube (bronchoscope) is passed down the throat through either the mouth or nose to take samples of the spot seen by your doctor in the central areas of your lungs.
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) – An ultrasound assisted bronchoscopy that allows for better examination of the lymph nodes and other structures in the center of the chest. This method can be used to see if cancer has spread or to remove tissue samples for testing.
- Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ (ENB™) procedure – Unlike traditional bronchoscopy, the doctor uses LungGPS™ technology (similar to GPS navigation) to access difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs, lymph nodes and surrounding areas. This is a minimally invasive method to take tissue samples for a diagnosis and can mark areas to pinpoint future treatment if needed.
- Needle biopsy – A hollow needle is inserted directly through the chest to get a sample of the spot seen by your doctor on the low-dose CT scan.
Surgical biopsy options:
- Mediastinoscopy – An incision is made above the breast-bone that allows a device with a camera to pass into the middle of the chest (mediastinum) to help doctors see the area and take tissue samples from the lymph nodes.
- Wedge Resection – An incision is made in the chest and the abnormal section of the lung is removed and tested.
Am I Eligible For A free Lung Cancer Screening?
Use the form to calculate your Pack Years to determine if you should consider a free screening, based on your smoking history.
Oneida Health is an ACR designated Lung Cancer Screening Center offering Low Dose CT scans that can detect lung cancer early.