Q: What is the purpose of this study?
A: The purpose of this study is to determine if a low dose spiral CT scan is an effective way to screen for lung cancer.
Q: Why is this study important?
A: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among American men and women, causing more deaths than colon, breast adn prostate cancer combined. The intent is to find a means of detecting lung cancer early so that you and your primary care
physician can discuss treatment.
Q: How does the CT scan work?
A: This new technology scans the chest, taking over one hundred pictures in sequence. The radiologist then views these images in succession on a computer screen. This scan is so sensitive that it is possible to detect nodules that are too small to be seen on a routine x-ray.
Q: Is there radiation exposure during the CT scan?
A: Yes. The effective radiation dose is approximately 65 milli-rem, about the same as a mammogram. The average person receives an annual dose of approximately 300 milli-rem from naturally occurring background radiation (cosmic, rocks and soil, or radon).
Q: What does "screening" mean?
A: Screening means trying to diagnose and find a disease while the disease is at an early stage. Screening for lung cancer is not being done routinely at this time.
Q: What causes lung cancer?
A: Most lung cancer is caused by cigarette smoking. That is why this study is inviting people who smoke or who have smoked regularly within the last 10 years to join.
Q: Who is eligible to volunteer?
A: Any person 60 years of age or older who has smoked on a regular basis over many years. An interviewer will ask specific questions about smoking history.
Q: What are the health requirements for volunteers?
A: People who have had a heart attack or stroke within the past 6 months will not be eligible to participate. Also, people with cancer within the last five years, (except certain skin cancers), people who use oxygen, or who have congestive heart failure will not be eligible to volunteer.
Q: Will I be required to stop smoking?
A: No. However, for anyone who would like to stop smoking, we will offer assistance in the form information and a referral to someone who can help.
Q: Will I get the results of my CT scan?
A: Yes, after the CT scan is reviewed by the radiologist for the study, a letter will be sent to you and to your primary care physician.
Q: What if there is an abnormality on my CT scan?
A: The letter informing you of the test results will tell you if you should be concerned. We can make further recommendations to your doctor, or if you do not have a doctor, you may request an appointment at
Q: Who is paying for the study?
A: The study is sponsored by the Health Future Foundation.
Q: How long does the study last?
A: The study will last for two years.
Q: Who are the principal investigators?
A: Walter Scott, M.D., Cardiothoracic Surgery
Naresh Dewan, M.D., Pulmonary Medicine
Peter Canaday, M.D., Radiology
Q: Will the study pay for any medical care recommended by the study?
A: No. All follow-up medical care will be the responsibility of you and your insurance carrier.
Q: Who should I call?
A: Call the Thoracic Program Coordinator at (402) 280-4124, or visit our website.
