Lung Cancer Screening
If you are a current or former smoker, you may develop lung cancer and do not even know. Having a lung cancer screening could save your life. Although living a tobacco-free lifestyle is the best way to prevent lung cancer, regular lung cancer screenings can add another layer of protection as part of a proactive health care plan.
Why participate in lung cancer screenings?
Simply put, patients whose cancers are caught early often have better outcomes. Lung cancer screenings can be very effective at identifying potentially cancerous abnormalities like lung nodules long before those abnormalities create tell-tale symptoms. Screenings rely on imaging scans that are quick and painless and can highlight any suspicious growths that should be noted for further evaluation.
Who is eligible for lung cancer screenings?
Our lung cancer screening program is open to patients considered high-risk based on national guidelines and evidence-based practices.
Eligibility criteria endorsed by the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) classifies high-risk as individuals who are:
- 50 years of age or older
- Current or former smoker with a 20 pack-year* smoking history?
- *Pack-year history is the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the total number of years smoked
- For example, 1 pack a day for 20 years: 1x20 = 20 pack-years, or two packs a day for 10 years: 2x10 = 20 pack-years, etc.
- Are not symptomatic for lung cancer (coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss)
What are the payment options for lung cancer screenings?
- Insurance coverage: Medicare and most private insurance plans are mandated to cover lung cancer screenings under the Affordable Care Act.
- Free Screening: If you answer yes to the following questions you may be eligible for a free lung screening through the Lung Screening Access Program:
- Do you meet the high-risk critera listed above?
- Live in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Polk County?
- Are uninsured?
- Not on a student or tourist visa?
- Meet the income guideline of <200% the Federal Poverty Level?
- Out of Pocket: If you don't have Health Insurance coverage and don't qualify for the Lung Screening Access Program but think you should get screened, you can self-pay the $170 out-of-pocket fee.
For more information or to find out if you are eligible for the Screening Access Program, email LungScreening@Moffitt.org or call 813-745-6635.
Where to get lung cancer screenings
We currently offer our lung cancer screening services at three convenient locations, including:
Moffitt Cancer Center
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday | 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza
Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best in the Nation
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we’ve developed a comprehensive lung cancer screening program that’s among the best in the nation, which has resulted in our being named a Screening Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. As part of our program, you’ll not only receive high-definition CT scans, but also:
- Professional, multi-specialist tumor board reviews of any abnormal screening results
- Preferential appointments with Moffitt's team of oncologists specializing in lung cancer
- Free access to tobacco treatment and smoking cessation programs
- Immediate access to additional support and clinical services
To determine your level of risk and if you qualify for a lung cancer screening, please call today. You can also make an appointment with one of Moffitt’s pulmonologists for further evaluation and to weigh your options. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form.
Medically reviewed by Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD, MPH, Thoracic Oncology Program.
Helpful Links:
Lung Cancer
- Signs and Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- FAQs
- Lung Cancer Early Detection Center
- Lung Cancer Screening and Surveillance Program
- Lung Nodules
- Lung Surveillance Clinic
- Metastatic Lung Cancer
- Recurrence
- Survival Rate
- Your Lung Cancer Specialists
- Lung and Thoracic Tumor Education (LATTE)
- Thoracic Clinic Updates
- Insurance & Financial Information