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 lung cancer may have already spread; and, once it has spread, it is 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:

  • A Lung Cancer Screening Program which performs low dose computed (LDCT) targeted to those at risk

  • An Incidental Lung Nodule Program which detects lung nodules (which can develop into lung cancer) on scans for other reasons (for example: cardiac scans, CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, and CT scans of the chest for reasons other than lung nodules).

Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer early before there are any symptoms of lung cancer.

  • In 2023, The Christ Hospital found 18 cancers through its Lung Screening Program and 23 cancers through its Incidental Lung Nodule Program.

  • Lung cancer is very treatable when found in early stages.

  • The majority of these lung cancers were found in Stage 1 or Stage 2 when lung cancer is most treatable. Both the Lung Screening and Lung Nodule Programs have a significant impact on shifting the stage of lung cancer at the time of diagnosis.

To find out if you qualify for a lung screening or to schedule an appointment, complete our online lung screening form or call 513-585-0690 to speak with our Lung Health 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 about 10 seconds. No medications are given and no needles are used. You can eat before the exam. You do not even need to change out of your clothing 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 speak with our Lung Health Nurse Navigator, call 513-585-0690.