Lung Cancer Screening Initiatives
The American Lung Association is working to increase lung cancer screening rates in communities across the country.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in America, but there is hope. Screening can help find lung cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.
About the Lung Cancer Screening Initiatives
To increase lung cancer screening rates across the country, we are integrating public health equity best practices through:
- building awareness and reducing barriers to care
- increasing early-stage cancer diagnosis and early intervention,
- providing appropriate patient support for lung cancer screening referrals
- facilitating low-dose CT (LDCT) for all individuals who are considered at high risk for lung cancer.
Our Goals Are To:
Individuals at High Risk
To reflect the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and Medicare guidelines on lung cancer screenings, our audience includes individuals who are considered at "high risk" for lung cancer. To be considered eligible for a LDCT, individuals must meet all criteria listed below:
- 50 – 80 years of age (50-77 years of age for Medicare)
- Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (this means 1 pack a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years)
- AND, currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria or if this screening falls outside of your insurance coverage, we recommend that you talk with your primary care provider about any lung health concerns you may have.
Helping Communities
Our initiatives have made an impact across the country. Between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 our team has:
- Partnered with 11 grant-funded health system and community-based organizations.
- Referred more than 13,000 patients to a lung cancer screening and saw over 10,000 individuals receive a lung cancer screening.
- Developed and hosted Quality Improvement trainings for partnering healthcare professionals on the importance of tobacco cessation integration.
- Worked with 7 locally trusted community-based organizations nationwide to host outreach events to improve lung cancer awareness and tobacco cessation.
- Registered 6 health system staff for the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® Facilitator Training.
- Supported over 70 individuals with barriers to care by offering financial assistance to lung cancer screenings.
Programs & Support
Lung Health Navigators
Through the Lung Cancer HelpLine, our Lung Health Navigators can help determine if individuals are eligible for screening and to guide them each step of the way.
Individuals who meet the USPSTF/Medicare criteria for a lung cancer screening are encouraged to reach out to our knowledgeable Lung Health Navigators to determine if they are eligible for screening and receive guidance each step of the way. Individuals can receive guidance for:
- Finding screening centers
- Financial support for screenings (only available in qualifying states)
- Scheduling assistance
- Financial assistance for transportation to/from LDCT
- Tobacco cessation referral
Interested individuals can contact the Lung Health Navigators via phone, by calling 844-ALA-LUNG. Alternatively, an email or interest form through our dedicated Lung Cancer HelpLine website can also be submitted.
Tobacco Cessation Integration
The Lung Association offers a variety of tools, resources, and support to individuals quit tobacco use.
- There’s a Freedom From Smoking® option for every person and every setting. Freedom From Smoking® program has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans end their addiction to nicotine and begin new tobacco-free lives.
- The American Lung Association Lung Helpline and Tobacco Quitline offers one-on-one telephone counseling services with certified tobacco treatment specialists.
- Don’t know where to start? View our how-do guide to help you on the path to quitting for good!
Current Initiatives
The map below includes all lung cancer screening initiatives, whether they are state or local, and their available patient assistance resources. We encourage individuals to call the Lung Cancer HelpLine if they are interested in a LDCT regardless of whether there is an initiative in their area.
This map stays up to date with current and ongoing Lung Cancer Screening initiatives. For any questions about the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Screening initiatives, email LCS@Lung.org.
Resources and Toolkits
Funding made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
