Visit Vale Health Marketplace?
You are leaving balladhealth.org to visit Vale Health’s Wellness Marketplace.
Disclaimer: Ballad Health does not sponsor, endorse or recommend any product or resource listed in the marketplace.
Lung cancer screening near you
One in four people with lung cancer have no symptoms, making lung cancer screening essential. If you find lung cancer early, you can live longer: the five-year survival rate is 54% when it’s found before it spreads. Unfortunately, right now, only 15% of lung cancers are caught in time.
At Ballad Health, we’re committed to changing that. With screening tests for lung cancer available across our facilities in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, you’ll have access to life-saving tools and support close to home.
Begin quote
Quote by
Believe me, that free lung screening initiative saved my life. It can save yours, too.
Mike Horton, Lung Cancer Survivor
Who should get screened for lung cancer?
You may need a lung CT scan for cancer if you:
- Are between 50 and 80 years old*
- 77 years old is for insurance only; clinical guidelines suggest screening up to 80 years old
- The free screening does not involve insurance
- Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (example: 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years)
Even if you show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, LDCT screening is important because early lung cancer often has no symptoms.
If you have existing lung disease, like COPD, your primary care doctor or pulmonologist can order the scan for you.
Free lung cancer screenings this November
Image
You may be eligible for a free low-dose CT lung cancer screening this November if:
- You’ve never had a lung screening with Ballad Health
- Meet the criteria for who should get a lung cancer screening
- 50 – 77 years old
- Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
What is a low-dose CT scan?
A low-dose CT scan for lung cancer is a quick, noninvasive screening that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. This simple test can detect small nodules or abnormalities—long before symptoms appear. It’s also often referred to as a CAT scan or chest computed tomography scan.
It’s one of the most effective ways to check for lung cancer early, offering patients better options for treatment and a much better chance at survival.
Image
Lung cancer survivor stories
Image
Meet Mike Horton, lung cancer survivor
Mike’s wife had noticed he seemed tired, and he went to see his primary care provider. After doing a free low-dose CT scan, Mike was able to get the care he needed to be lung cancer free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Cancer Screening
Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms. When present, symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss.
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.
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 positive 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 cutting-edge technology like CyberKnife, TrueBeam and Trilogy robotic radiosurgery to give you the best possible care.
To meet our low-dose CT criteria, you must be between 50 and 80 years old, have a 20 or more pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years. Your primary care provider can help you determine eligibility.
If you don't have a primary care doctor but would like a referral for lung cancer screening, you can use our online care option to see if you are eligible (link).
Many insurance plans cover screening if you meet the eligibility criteria. Ballad Health also offers free scans during special promotional periods for first-time patients who qualify.
More info about flat fee out of pocket if that gets approved!
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.
Where to get a CT scan for lung cancer?
Ballad Health offers ACR-certified low-dose CT screening at multiple locations in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, so you won’t have to travel far to access some of the region’s most advanced lung cancer detection tools.