Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and the second most diagnosed cancer. While lung cancer rates are decreasing nationally with fewer people smoking cigarettes, more deaths are attributed each year to lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

Lung cancer can be caused by many risk factors, including exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, carcinogens, a family history of lung cancer and asbestos. Cigarette smoking, however, is the number one cause of lung cancer.

Most people with lung cancer do not display symptoms until the cancer is advanced; late-stage diagnosis is common. Screening means testing for the disease when there are no symptoms or history of that disease.

Annual lung cancer screenings are recommended for those at high risk to find the cancer early, when treatment may work better and there may be a higher chance of survival. BCH offers comprehensive lung cancer screening as an American College of Radiology designated lung cancer screening site.

If you are thinking about getting screened, talk to your primary care doctor. After discussing the risks and benefits of a lung cancer screening, your health care provider may order the scan.

How to Get a Lung Cancer Screening

The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Screening is recommended only for adults who have no symptoms but are at high risk.

Screening eligibility
• Age 50 – 77 years
• Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year 1 pack = 20 cigarettes)
• Current smoker or one who has quit smoking within the last 15 years

Must receive an order from your physician for a lung cancer screening with LDCT

*Lung cancer screening is not a substitute for quitting smoking.

Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Most insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid will cover the cost of LDCT lung cancer screening without the need for a copayment (out-of-pocket cost for the enrollee) for those who are eligible. For self-paying patients, please visit MDsave.com/bch-lung.

Don’t wait. Request an order for your LDCT screening. Call 303-415-4015 to make an appointment with your primary care physician.