Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Our nationally recognized screening services help people who face a higher lung cancer risk receive timely care.

What Is CT Lung Cancer Screening?

More people die of lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. It typically does not cause symptoms until reaching advanced stages. But a lung cancer screening can spot unusual growths (nodules) before they become an issue. Early detection also increases your chances of successful treatment. 

UMass Memorial Health uses low-dose CT scans to check for lung nodules. It’s a quick, painless test that’s covered by insurance for eligible patients. Screening involves no dyes, medications or needles. And it can save your life.

How Does Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Work?

A CT scan uses X-rays and special technology to capture images of your lungs. It provides a level of detail that’s not possible with traditional X-rays. CT scans do expose you to radiation. But our lung cancer screenings use a dose that’s lower than a typical CT scan. 

Screenings check for lung nodules, which are growths that may or may not be cancerous. If there are no nodules, no further action is necessary. If you test positive, we arrange additional testing to confirm or rule out a lung cancer diagnosis. 

Recommendations for Lung Cancer Screening

You may be eligible for a low-dose CT scan if you:

  • Are between 50 and 80 years old
  • ​Have smoked at least an average of one pack a day for 20 years (20 pack years)
  • Currently smoke
  • Have quit in the past 15 years
  • Do not have any lung cancer symptoms, such as coughing up blood or sudden weight loss

Nationally Recognized Lung Cancer Screening in Central Massachusetts


The UMass Memorial Low-Dose Computer Tomography (CT) Lung Cancer Screening Program provides annual testing to patients at higher risk of lung cancer. You receive services from imaging experts specializing in lung disease who follow the latest research. Our team’s commitment to screening excellence has earned our program Lung Cancer Screening Center accreditation from the American College of Radiology.

Why Choose Us for Our Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program?

Expertise

Nationally recognized radiologists specializing in chest imaging interpret your scan. You can count on us for accurate readings because we are low-dose CT lung cancer screening pioneers. Our team played a role in developing methods that are used in clinics throughout the country. We review thousands of scans each year, enabling us to catch nodules that are easy to miss.

Patient-Centered Approach

From the moment we receive your referral, you receive attentive services. Patient navigators help schedule your screening and explain what to expect. After the scan, you receive the results promptly. Even if results are negative, eligible patients undergo annual scans. Keeping up with these screenings makes it easier to detect small changes that may require additional care.

Leading Lung Cancer Program

If we detect signs of cancer, we refer you to our comprehensive lung and thoracic cancer program. We are a leading cancer center in Central Massachusetts and offer advanced services, like robotic surgery, that are not widely available. An entire team of specialists comes together to deliver seamless, personalized care.

How to Access Lung Cancer Screening Services

Insurance typically covers lung cancer screenings for eligible patients. If you want to know more, talk with your primary care provider. They determine your eligibility and discuss the risks and benefits of screening. 

If you wish to proceed, your doctor issues you a referral and a member of our team reaches out to schedule your scan. To learn more, email us at ctlungcancerscreening@umassmemorial.org.

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