Lung Institute

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women; about 1 out of 4 cancer deaths are from lung cancer. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

One reason for the low survival rate is that lung cancer is often recognized in its later stages, when it is most difficult to treat and the course of action for patients is limited. Manatee Memorial Hospital has a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of physicians and healthcare professionals who work together to determine the best course of action for people who are diagnosed with lung cancer.

People who are at high risk for lung cancer can significantly improve their chances of surviving the disease if it is detected in its earliest stages. By making an appointment to have a low-dose-radiation computerized tomography (LDCT) scan, survival rate may improve through earlier detection, accurate diagnosis, accurate localization and curative therapy.

Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center

Manatee Memorial Hospital has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance

Manatee Memorial Hospital's Lung Institute has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. Low dose CT screening for lung cancer carried out safely, efficiently and equitably saves tens of thousands of lives a year.

Read more →

Should You Have a Screening for Lung Cancer?

The United States Preventative Services Task Force lists the following criteria for screening:

• Smokers who are 55-80 years old, who have smoked a pack or more of cigarettes a day for at least 20 years and who are still smoking or who have quit less than 15 years ago
• Currently have no symptoms, such as fever, chest pain, new shortness of breath, new or changing cough, coughing up blood or unexplained significant weight loss
• No personal history of lung cancer within the past five years

Other reasons your physician may consider for the screening are:

• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon
• Exposure to workplace substances including asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, silica and chromium
• Family history
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Diet

Learn more by visiting the United States Preventative Services Task Force website →

Smokers are at High Risk

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network also recommends screening smokers 50 and older who have smoked a pack of cigarettes or more a day for 20 years or longer and have one additional risk factor for lung cancer (radon exposure or occupational exposure to certain chemicals).