Lung Cancer Screening

If you smoke or used to smoke, you may benefit from a lung cancer screening at UNC Health Wayne. This test uses computed tomography (CT) technology and low radiation doses to check for cancer before you have symptoms—when treatment is most effective.

Do I Need a Screening?

Ask your doctor about a lung cancer screening if you meet all these criteria:

• You’re 50 to 80 years old
• You smoke now or quit smoking within the past 15 years
• You have at least 20 “pack years” of smoking—meaning you smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years
• You don’t have lung cancer symptoms

How to Prepare

To make your test go smoothly, follow the instructions you receive when scheduling your screening. You may need to:

• Avoid certain foods or drinks for a short time before the exam
• Bring a list of your current medications
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes to the appointment

What to Expect

You’ll lie on a table that moves through a machine called a CT scanner. Hold your breath during the brief test so your lungs stay still while the machine captures images.

You may spend as little as five minutes in the exam room. Feel free to return to your daily activities right after the appointment.

Insurance Coverage

Medicare Part B, NC Medicaid, and many private insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings if you meet the test criteria. Before scheduling the exam, call your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Results

A board-certified radiologist will review your images and send a report to your primary care provider. Expect a call from your doctor’s office to discuss the results and next steps.

Visit My UNC Chart to view your results in our secure, online patient portal.