lung cancer screening

​​​​​​​​​​​Lung Screening & Early Detection

A 10-second lung screening may now be covered for qualified Medicare and insurance patients.

Are you a current or former heavy smoker? Are you between the ages of 50-77?

If the answer is yes to both of those questions, you may qualify for a quick and non-invasive test to see if you are at risk for lung cancer. The test is now covered for qualified patients through Medicare and most insurance providers with a doctor referral. 

Qualifying patients meet the following criteria:

  • Age 50-77

  • Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer

  • Are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years

  • Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. For example, you smoked a pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.

Early detection of lung cancer can save lives

To find out if you qualify for a screening or to schedule an appointment, complete our online lung screening form or call 513-585-0690 to speak with our nurse navigator. 

Screenings are conveniently located in the following locations:

Why be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women; about 1 out of 4 cancer deaths are from lung cancer. The impact is definitely felt locally - Kentucky leads the nation in both lung cancer incidence and mortality and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ohio as well. By the time you have symptoms it may already have spread and become more difficult to treat.

The Christ Hospital Health Network is on a mission to combat lung cancer with increased lung cancer awareness and tools to promote earlier detection including a lung cancer screening program performing low dose computed (LDCT) targeted to those at risk. 

Low-dose CT scans can catch cancer early, before people have any symptoms of lung cancer. In 2019, The Christ Hospital found 11 cancers through its low-dose CT program to date.  This amounts to approximately 1 person out of every 96 scanned being diagnosed with cancer. Lung cancer is very treatable when found in early stages. 

  • 45% of the lung cancers found in 2019 were early stage (Stage 1 thru Stage 3A).

  • 18% of the lung cancers found in 2019 were late stage (Stage 3B thru Stage 4).

  • The remainder are yet to be fully staged or are not non-small cell lung cancer.

To find out if you qualify for a screening or to schedule an appointment, complete our online lung screening form or call 513-585-0690 to speak with our nurse navigator. 

Lung Screening FAQ

What is a CT screening?

Computerized tomography (CT) screening uses special X-ray technology to obtain image data from different angles around the body and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross section of the body tissues and organs. 

What is the goal of Low Dose CT (LDCT) lung screening?

The goal of LDCT lung screening is early detection using a scan with very little radiation. Without LDCT lung screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is much harder to treat.

How effective is LDCT lung screening at preventing death from lung cancer?

Studies have shown that LDCT lung screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent in people who are at risk.

How is the exam performed?

LDCT lung screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have.  The exam takes less than 20 seconds.  No medications are given and no needles are used. You can eat before the exam. You do not even need to get changed as long as the clothing on your chest does not contain metal. 

Find out more about lung cancer

Learn more about lung cancer, including diagnosis tools, treatment options and our expert care team

To talk with our lung nurse navigator, call 513-585-0690.