Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Near You

Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. When present, symptoms might include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss.

If you have any of these symptoms, the low-dose CT scan isn’t right for you. You need a different test. Call your doctor to schedule a test that’s right for you and the symptoms you have right now. 

It’s a specialized lung cancer test that uses low levels of radiation to take detailed images of your lungs. It can detect cancer early, even before symptoms appear.

If you’ve already had a low-dose CT scan, follow your provider’s guidelines for repeat testing. You won’t qualify for any of Ballad Health’s free promotions, but insurance generally covers these tests.

You’ll lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The scan itself takes only a few minutes and is completely painless.

If your screening finds something unusual, like a lung nodule, our Lung Nodule Program team will quickly review your results. You’ll get fast, expert care from specialists who will guide you through any needed tests and treatment options. The program offers support, education and advanced tools to help catch and treat lung issues early, improving your chances of a good outcome.

Through the Ballad Health Lung Nodule Program, you’ll have access to lung doctors, cancer experts, surgeons and navigators who will guide you through your next steps. We also offer advanced oncology treatment options using the latest technology, like CyberKnife, TrueBeam and Trilogy robotic radiosurgery to give you the best possible care.

You might be eligible for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening between now and January 29 if:

• You’ve never had a low-dose CT scan
• You haven’t had a chest CT scan within the last 12 months
• You meet the criteria for who should get a lung cancer screening:
  • You’re between 50 and 80 years old
  • You currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years
  • You have a 20-pack-year or more smoking history
  • You haven’t had a prior lung cancer diagnosis 

Many insurance plans fully cover screening if you meet the eligibility criteria. Ballad Health also offers free scans during special promotional periods for first-time patients who qualify.

Check with your insurance provider to see how much a low-dose CT scan will cost.

Yes. If you don’t qualify for our free screening promotion, you can still schedule a low-dose CT lung cancer screening at Ballad Health through your provider, if the screening is right for you. Contact your provider so they can order the screening for you. 

Yes. A low-dose CT scan for lung cancer is a quick, painless lung test. It uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of your lungs. These pictures help us look for anything unusual, like small spots or nodules. The scan uses a low dose of radiation and is considered a safe and effective tool for early cancer detection.

If you’re at high risk for lung cancer, annual screening is generally recommended. Your doctor will guide you on the right screening schedule.

The best way to lower your risk is to quit smoking and avoid all nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping (e-cigarettes), smokeless tobacco (like chewing tobacco and snuff) and hookahs (water pipes). All of these products expose your lungs to harmful chemicals and increase your chance of developing lung cancer and other serious lung diseases. Ballad Health offers resources to help you quit smoking, including our smoking cessation program.