Peoria, Illinois (February 13, 2013)–If you’re a current or former smoker with a concern about lung cancer, Methodist Medical Center is offering a diagnostic test that can provide peace of mind. Beginning March 1, the Methodist Cancer Institute will offer Lung Check, a screening tool that aids doctors in detecting lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

The Methodist Lung Check is a painless screening and takes only about 30 seconds. Using a Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest, physicians can detect abnormal spots or nodules. Many of these are too small to show in a standard x-ray.

This January, the American Cancer Society issued a new recommendation that current and former smokers 55 and over should consider a low-dose CT scan. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Mathew Carpenter of the Methodist Cancer Institute says, “The Lung Check is a low-dose CT that looks inside the chest for early stages of cancer. It’s the only test proven to detect early lung cancer and improve survival.”

The cost for the Methodist Lung Check is $175.00. While the screening cost is normally not covered by insurance, insurance usually does cover the evaluation of any abnormal findings. For more information or to see if you qualify for the screening, call the Methodist Cancer Institute at 671-8296.