Early Lung Cancer Detection
Lung cancer is the number-one cause of cancer death among men and women in the U.S. But the good news is that early detection can increase the 5-year survival rate for stage 1 lung cancer to nearly 90%.
And there’s more good news. Lahey Health is a pioneer and leader in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), an extraordinary way to find lung cancer at the earliest stage possible. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, the time to be screened is now – and the place to be screened is at Lahey.
We have the largest clinical lung cancer screening program in the country. Thousands of people have already been screened for lung cancer through Lahey.
Of the lung cancers that we’ve discovered with the LDCT screening, most were found in stage 1 – the most curable stage.
Surviving Lung Cancer: Frank’s Story
Frank Flahive was signing up for a golf game when he saw a poster on the wall for Lahey’s CT lung cancer screening program. A longtime smoker, he decided to sign up for the screening too – and it may have saved his life. His lung cancer was detected and removed, and today Frank is looking forward to many more healthy retirement years.
Turn to the Experts
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center was the first facility in the U.S. to be designated an accredited Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). In fact, Lahey was used by the ACR as a model program and helped set those standards for others to follow.
Lahey is home to Andrea McKee, MD, chair of radiation oncology at Lahey’s Sophia Gordon Cancer Center and a highly regarded expert and pioneer in her field.
Dr. McKee has earned national recognition for her work in advocating tirelessly for CT lung cancer screenings as a way to save lives. Her testimony in Washington, DC, played a major role in persuading Medicare to cover the cost of screenings for people at high risk.
Who Is Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening is quick and easy. You may qualify for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening if you meet all of these criteria:
- Are between 50 and 80 years old
- Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- Are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
- Have smoked the equivalent of at least one pack a day for 20 years
If you qualify, you will need a referral from your doctor in order to be screened. We are happy to help you obtain this referral.
Insurance Coverage for Lung Cancer Screenings
Medicare covers low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for people who meet the eligibility criteria, and the Affordable Care Act requires that private insurers cover CT lung screening for those at high risk.
At Lahey Health, we will work with you to determine the full extent of your coverage for this lifesaving screening.
Our Locations
Lahey offers low-dose CT lung cancer screening at multiple locations. Learn more about the screening process and find out if you qualify by visiting any of the links below or by calling the location that is most convenient for you.
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
855-CT-CHEST