Lung Cancer Screening

Middle aged couple enjoys a walk outside.

We are here to help you detect lung cancer, before symptoms have an opportunity to occur, through a lung cancer screening commonly referred to as a Low-Dose CT. It uses a low amount of radiation to obtain detailed images of your chest and lungs to help detect potential cancerous growth.

Lung Cancer Screening Criteria

Low-dose CT scans are recommended for individuals who:

  • Are between the ages of 50-77 and have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years
    • This includes people who still smoke or have quit within the past 15 years;
  • Have past cancer, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, a family history of lung cancer; and/or,
  • Exposure to substances such as asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, diesel fumes, radon, nickel, silica and uranium.
  • Your physician (provider) must write an order for you to be screened.
  • To find out if you are at risk, take our lung cancer risk assessment.
Physician examines CT scan on computer screen.
Physician uses technology to operate CT scan for lung cancer patient.

What to Expect with LDCT Screening

  • Most insurance providers, such as Medicare, now cover the screening exam for those who qualify.
  • The screening is painless and takes about ten seconds.
  • This procedure is non-invasive and requires no medication.
  • You will lie still on a table as it passes through the center of the CT Scanner.
  • You may be asked to hold your breath one or more times during the scan.
  • You can eat and drink as normal before and after the exam.
  • Your results will be sent to your primary care physician/provider.
  • On average, approximately 1 out of 4 screenings will find something in the lung that may require additional imaging or evaluation. Most of these findings are referenced as lung nodules.

Plan of Care When Lung Nodules are Detected

One out of four LDCT screenings generally detect something that needs additional imaging for evaluation. These are often referred to as lung nodules because they are a small collection of tissues in the lung. More than 97 percent of lung nodules are noncancerous (benign) because they can result from past lung infection scarring.

We offer a unique Lung Nodule Program that utilizes a lung nurse navigator to help patients and physicians coordinate a prompt plan of care. Our goal is to help save lives by detecting lung cancer early for treatment through our cancer network.

LDCT Screening Locations

Covenant Health Claiborne
Covenant Health Cumberland
Covenant Health Fort Loudoun
Covenant Health Diagnostics
Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional
Covenant Health LeConte
Covenant Health Methodist
Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen
Covenant Health Parkwest
Covenant Health Roane
Covenant Health South

Covenant Health