Lung Cancer Screening Program

The clinic provides an annual health risk assessment, smoking cessation counseling, and an order for the lung cancer screening scan for those meeting national guideline criteria:

• Age 50-80 years old and
• Current or former smokers quitting within 15 years and
• With at least a 20 pack-year smoking history* and
• Do not have symptoms of lung cancer

*This is the number of years smoked multiplied by the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day. For example: 1 pack/day x 20 years = 20 pack years

How Does the Low Dose CT Scan Work?

The scan requires no IVs or medications. You simply lie still on a table and slowly move through the scanner. The computer takes pictures and puts them together for an incredibly detailed image that identifies small nodules or other abnormalities in your lungs. You will also have the full support of our dedicated cancer experts and friendly staff, who will guide you and your family every step of the way.

Am I Eligible for a CT Lung Cancer Screening?

Detecting lung cancer early with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan means better treatment and more opportunities for patients to take advantage of the most comprehensive options. Through this program, we provide screening for patients who meet the following criteria:

• Are 50-80 years old
• Have a 20 pack-a-year smoking history (Example: 1 pack/day x 20 years = 20 packs-a-year) 
• Are a current smoker or quit less than 15 years ago
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancers

The benefits of a lung cancer screening speak for themselves: The five-year survival rate dramatically improves to 68-92 percent if we diagnose lung cancer in Stage 1. A Stage 4 diagnosis, on the other hand, results in a zero to 10 percent survival rate. So the sooner a cancer is found, the better.

Worried about Radiation Exposure?

The scan’s radiation exposure is more than a regular X-ray but less than a regular CT scan. We hope patients understand that radiation in a low-dose CT is about equal to what you receive in your natural environment over six months.

If the screening finds no problems, we will recommend the screening each year until you are no longer a candidate or you reach age 77.

What if the Scan Finds an Abnormality?

Please remember that an abnormality does not automatically mean you have cancer. Our lung cancer screening often uncovers COPD, coronary artery calcification, aortic aneurysm, or other conditions.

But if an abnormality is suspicious for lung cancer, our team— in collaboration with your primary care provider— will immediately send you for further testing or to a specialist who will initiate a diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Much is the Procedure?

Worried about payment? Medicare began national lung cancer screening coverage in 2015, and most insurance will help with costs. If you are uninsured, Lee Health offers a self-pay program and financial assistance if you meet the criteria. Please let us know how we can help.

For your convenience, Lee Health offers low-dose CT scans at various locations throughout Lee County, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Estero.

Meet Our Lung Cancer Screening Program Director Bobbi Marino

Bobbi Marino MSN, APRN, TTS, FNP-BC, OCN Nurse Practitioner

Bobbi developed and directs the Lung Cancer Screening Program & Clinic. She grew up in Lee County, graduating from North Fort Myers High School before earning her Associate of Arts at Edison Community College and her Associate of Science in Nursing at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers. Bobbi then earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers and her master’s degree in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University in Tampa. Bobbi is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Oncology Certified Nurse.

To contact Bobbi and team call the clinic: 239-343-LUNG (5864)

Community Resources

For more information on how to quit smoking: 

tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway 

1-877-819-2357 

• Toll free 877-848-6696 

cdc.gov/tobacco/

smokefree.gov

lung.org/quit-smoking

nccih.nih.gov/health/quitting-smoking

go2foundation.org/

Lee Health Cancer Institute is recognized by the GO2 For Lung Cancer Center of Excellence for delivering excellence in responsible lung cancer screening and cancer care.