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A Lung Screen Could Save Your Life

Lung cancer often does not have any symptoms during early stages. That’s why a low-dose CT scan is so important — it can detect cancer early, before symptoms appear, when it is curable and treatment is most effective. A screen is quick, painless, and free if you qualify.

See if you are eligible
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How do I get screened for lung cancer?

Step #1: Talk with a provider about lung cancer screening

You will need a referral. If you qualify, the scan is covered by insurance at no cost to you.

There are three ways to get a referral:

  1. Visit one of our Community Care Vans. If you don’t have a PCP, you can visit one of our mobile, easy-to-access Community Care Vans at a location near you. Our healthcare professionals will meet with you and answer your questions. They may also give you a referral and even help you schedule a CT scan at a time and place that works for you.
  2. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) about a lung cancer screen.
  3. Call 1-844-937-5864. This leads you to a survey to see if you qualify for a free screening. In general, you may be eligible if you are between 50 and 80 years old and currently smoke or have a smoking history. If you qualify, you will meet with a provider (virtually or in person), schedule and receive a CT scan, and have a follow-up appointment right away.

Step #2: Get your scan

You’ll complete a quick, painless, low-dose CT (LDCT) scan at a center near you. The scan takes about two minutes, and it doesn't require any preparation or injection.

Step #3: Receive your results

A doctor will call you to review the results of your scan and talk about next steps, if needed.

Who is at the highest risk of lung cancer?

People who smoke cigarettes, or who recently quit, have the highest risk of developing lung cancer. Other exposures that can raise your risk include:

  • Radon or asbestos exposure
  • Exposure to substances like Agent Orange while serving in the military
  • Secondhand smoke

Although not all of these risks are included in current guidelines for free lung cancer screening, we recommend talking with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and monitoring your lung health closely.

What is a Community Care Van, and how can it help?

Mass General Brigham's Community Care Vans bring medical care directly into neighborhoods. These mobile clinics provide a wide range of services, including:

  • Lung cancer screening referrals
  • COVID testing, vaccines, and reliable health information
  • Hypertension and diabetes care, including screening and interventions
  • Substance use disorder screenings, referrals, and coaching
  • Connections to services that help with social factors and barriers to good health

The vans are staffed by multilingual, multicultural clinicians and staff who can also help address concerns related to food, housing, and other social needs.

No appointment is needed, most insurance plans are accepted, and no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.

View the mobile van schedule (triggers file download)

Frequently asked questions: lung cancer screenings

A CT scan for lung cancer, specifically a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, is a special type of X-ray that takes detailed images of your lungs. It looks for signs of cancer before symptoms appear. It is one of the most effective tools for early detection, especially for people at higher risk.

  1. You lie on a table that slides into a donut-shaped machine.
  2. The machine takes multiple X-ray images from different angles.
  3. A computer combines these images into detailed cross-sections of your lungs.

The entire process usually takes about two minutes and is painless.

  1. No special diet or fasting is usually required.
  2. Wear comfortable clothing without metal (zippers, buttons, jewelry).
  3. Tell your doctor if you:
    1. Are pregnant or think you might be.
    2. Have had previous lung issues or surgeries.
  4. Arrive early to fill out any paperwork and ask questions.
  5. Stay still during the scan, since movement can blur the images.

If you qualify, a CT scan for lung cancer is covered by insurance at no cost to you. You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 50 - 80 years old
  • Currently smoke or have a history of smoking tobacco
  • Have smoked about one pack of cigarettes a day for the last 20 years (or the equivalent)

If you are eligible (see above), an annual lung cancer screening is recommended.