High-Risk Lung Cancer Screening

A lung cancer screening is the only way to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. Find out if you qualify.

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Early stage lung cancer doesn't present with obvious symptoms. For this reason, lung cancer screening is the only way to detect tumors or nodules at an early and more treatable stage.

Who Should Consider a Lung Cancer Screening?

You may be eligible for a lung cancer screening if you meet the following criteria recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force:

  • Are age 50 or older
  • Are a current or former smoker
  • Have a 20 or more pack-year history*

*A pack year is the number of packs smoked daily multiplied by the number of years smoking. Example: 1 pack a day x 20 years = 20 pack-years

Does Insurance Cover Lung Cancer Screening?

Most health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover lung cancer screening for those who meet the criteria. Virtua offers reduced rates for those without coverage. Your primary care doctor or lung specialist must order the test before scheduling.

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“If it weren’t for that lung screening, I would have been sitting here today with progressing lung cancer — and not even know it. I’m so grateful to the team at Virtua.”

Teresa Nocentino

after her early-stage lung cancer was successfully detected and treated

Our Approach to Lung Cancer Screenings

A lung screening is a noninvasive imaging test performed using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) technology, or low-dose CT. This test creates detailed pictures of your lungs that our team uses to detect any harmful tumors or nodules (growths) in your lungs.

You can expect the following:

  • A quick and easy 20-minute screening
  • A painless test— no needles or injections required
  • A lung nurse navigator to answer your questions, assist you with the referrals, and help you throughout the process

If no nodules or abnormalities are found, your doctor will recommend a follow-up CT scan the following year.

If a tumor or nodule is found, your doctor may recommend additional monitoring, screenings, surgery, or other treatments. Your lung nurse navigator will guide you through follow-up care. This includes:

  • Helping you understand your diagnosis and care plan
  • Facilitating communication between you and your doctors
  • Providing education for you and your loved ones
  • Helping remove barriers to care
  • Expediting appointments
  • Assisting with second opinions

The Virtua Difference for Lung Cancer Screening

National recognition

Virtua is nationally recognized for meeting the highest quality and safety standards for its high-risk lung cancer screening program. This includes the American College of Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Designation, recognizing our safe, effective diagnostic care for those at high risk for lung cancer. The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer designated Virtua as a Screening Center of Excellence for our commitment to providing best-quality screenings and delivering a patient-centered experience through follow-up care, treatment, and communication.

National recognition

Virtua is nationally recognized for meeting the highest quality and safety standards for its high-risk lung cancer screening program. This includes the American College of Radiology Lung Cancer Screening Designation, recognizing our safe, effective diagnostic care for those at high risk for lung cancer. The GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer designated Virtua as a Screening Center of Excellence for our commitment to providing best-quality screenings and delivering a patient-centered experience through follow-up care, treatment, and communication.

Leaders in lung health

If you need care for lung disease, you can find a comprehensive team of experts in South Jersey. Our lung program features a team of thoracic oncologic surgeons, oncology specialists, nurses, and therapists—all collaborating to keep your lungs healthy and strong.

Leaders in lung health

If you need care for lung disease, you can find a comprehensive team of experts in South Jersey. Our lung program features a team of thoracic oncologic surgeons, oncology specialists, nurses, and therapists—all collaborating to keep your lungs healthy and strong.

Support you need

We know that quitting smoking is hard. But through our free smoking cessation support group, you'll connect with trained specialists and a supportive community to encourage you on your journey. We also offer one-on-one sessions for a more personalized experience.

Support you need

We know that quitting smoking is hard. But through our free smoking cessation support group, you'll connect with trained specialists and a supportive community to encourage you on your journey. We also offer one-on-one sessions for a more personalized experience.