Early Detection Saves Lives

RWJ Rahway Lung Screening Program

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. It kills more than breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer combined.

Nearly 90 percent of patients with lung cancer die from it, in part because it’s discovered too late. We can reduce the number of lung cancer deaths if the cancer is found early, when it's most treatable. Results from the National Lung Screening Trial showed lung cancer deaths fell by 20 percent when high-risk individuals were screened with low-dose CT scans compared to standard chest X rays. CT scans are very effective at detecting lung cancer in its early stages.

Early in the disease, lung cancer produces no signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get screened. Medicare, Medicaid and many commercial insurance companies cover lung screening for high risk smokers who meet certain criteria.

Who should be screened?

• If you’re 55 to 77 years
• If you've a smoking history of at least 30 “pack years,” meaning the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked. For example, one pack per day for 30 years is 30 pack years; two packs per day for 15 years is 30 pack years. Current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years
• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, painful lungs

RWJ Rahway has been designated as a lung screening facility with low-dose radiation CT scanning. Low-dose CT means the scanner emits a lot less radiation than conventional CT scans. Ask your doctor about getting a lung screening. To make an appointment for a screen, call scheduling at 844.753.3779. You will need a prescription.

RWJ Rahway now has two low-dose radiation 64 slice CT scans with a radiation dose that’s more than half that of conventional CT scans. What’s more, these scanners are bariatric friendly.

Also know that we have full service follow-up imaging in the event of preliminary findings, including PET/CT and navigational bronchoscopy. We have board certified lung specialists and thoracic surgeons for consultation.

IIf you would like to schedule an appointment for lung cancer screening at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, please contact us at 844.753.3779.

And, if you still smoke and need help quitting, we can help. Call RWJ Rahway’s Community Education line at 732.499.6193 and a smoking cessation specialist will contact you. Our program is free.

RWJ Rahway Lung Screening
Diagnostic Imaging, first floor
865 Stone Street, Rahway, NJ