Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The good news is that it can often be found early through screening. The lung cancer screening program at NCS uses a low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages—when it’s most treatable. The screening is safe, painless, and takes less than 5 minutes.

Who Should Get Screened

A low dose CT scan is available for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50 to 80

• Current or former smoker

• A smoking history of 20 years or more, or at least 20 pack-years

What is a pack-year? It measures how much and how long a person has smoked.

To calculate:

• Multiply the number of packs smoked per day × the number of years smoked.

• Example: One pack a day for 20 years = 20 pack-years. Two packs a day for 10 years = 20 pack-years.

If you or a loved one meets these criteria, you or they are considered high risk for lung cancer. Regular screenings can increase the chances of finding cancer early and starting treatment right away.

Insurance Coverage

Lung cancer screening is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans.

What to Expect

• A lung cancer screening certified navigator will assist you in scheduling a scan and will provide any follow up necessary.

• We use low-dose CT scans, which use less radiation than standard CT scans while effectively detecting lung disease.

• Based on first results, another scan will be scheduled—usually every 12 months, or sooner if needed.

• A finding of a lung nodule does not always mean cancer. Lung nodules are common, and our team follows national guidelines for further testing and care.

If you have a history of smoking, schedule your scan today!

Schedule a Lung Screening

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors include regular exposure to second-hand smoke or environmental factors such as radon, airborne chemicals or pollutants–all can have an effect on your lungs. A lung screen is a good option to ensure the detection of effects from regular exposure.

Consider getting a scan at one of our No-Cost Community Lung Screening events. 

No-Cost Community Lung Screening Events

What is a low-dose CT scan?

A low-dose CT scan uses minimal radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs in order to spot cancer and lung disease. The scan is non-invasive and is done in less than 30 minutes.

How does the program work?

Certified lung health navigators help patients throughout every step of the process by assisting with the following:

Scheduling Scheduling the low dose CT scan

Results Following up on results and recommendations

Referrals Coordinating referrals to other providers as needed

Resources Providing patient centered resources

Schedule a Lung Screening Here

If you, or a loved one, answered yes to any of the above, contact us using the secure form below.