Whether you’re under the care of a pulmonologist or working with your primary care provider, two screening tests are available at Island Health to evaluate lung function—low-dose CT lung cancer screening and pulmonary function tests.

Low-dose CT lung cancer screening

The low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening is a test with a low-dose CAT scan that can identify small nodules or other abnormalities in your lungs. The LDCT is a noninvasive test in which the scanning is completed in six seconds. It allows for early detection of lung cancer before symptoms, which may make it easier to treat. Studies have shown that this screening can reduce the mortality of lung cancer for those who are at high risk and improve the risk of surviving five years or more by 60%. This screening is recommended for adults who are 50 to 80 years old who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Take the American Lung Association lung cancer risk quiz to determine your eligibility for a low-dose CT scan: https://www.lung.org/lung-healthdiseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/saved-by-the-scan/quiz.

Pulmonary function tests

A pulmonary function test (PFT) assesses the power of your lungs by measuring how much air you can inhale and exhale. Anyone who has a chronic lung problem or who has a smoking history should get a PFT. The test is painless and generally takes 45-60 minutes to perform. Your primary care provider can order the test for you.

Pulmonary rehabilitation

If you’ve been diagnosed with a lung condition, your physician may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to improve breathing and increase physical function in your daily life. Breathlessness can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening and enjoying time with loved ones difficult.

In the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Island Health, patients undergo 36 monitored exercise sessions and weekly education. A customized program is created for each patient to build muscle strength, improve endurance and reduce respiratory symptoms to help making breathing easier. Island Health’s collaborative environment encourages patients to work toward their goals and continue their exercises after they’ve met them.

If you have a lung-related condition, ask your physician if a pulmonary rehabilitation program is right for you.

Health education classes

Island Health is proud to offer Freedom From Smoking®, a group quit program sponsored by the American Lung Association, and CPAP Support, a class that addresses common questions and practical explanations for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) issues.

For more information, visit www.islandhealth.org.