Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
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.
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
Our Cancer Locations
Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center
275 Nichols Road,
Fitchburg, 01420 MA
UMass Memorial Medical Center - Memorial Campus Peter H. Levine Ambulatory Center
33 Kendall Street,
Levine Building,
Worcester, 01605 MA
The Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital - Southbridge Campus
55 Sayles Street,
Southbridge, 01550 MA
HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital - Fitchburg Campus
275 Nichols Road,
Fitchburg, 01420 MA
UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus
55 Lake Avenue North,
Worcester, 01655 MA
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.
Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program: Why Choose Us?
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.
Get Started
Call 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763) or request an appointment for a lung cancer screening.