Lung cancer (both small cell and non-small cell) is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (not counting skin cancer). That's why getting screened annually for lung cancer is so important.
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center offers some of the most advanced lung cancer screening capabilities and treatment options in the Washington, D.C., region. Our non-invasive, low-dose CT scan is a simple, proactive test designed to detect lung cancer early, allowing us to initiate timely and effective treatment if needed.
Are you eligible for a lung cancer screening?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults who meet all of the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 50 and 80
- Current smoker or quit smoking in the last 15 years
- Have or had a heavy smoking history
- No signs or symptoms of lung cancer, such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood unexplained fevers, chills, or weight loss (a doctor can determine if another condition is causing these symptoms)
Take our quiz.
A lung cancer risk assessment can help you understand your risk factors—and what to do about them. Following the questionnaire, you’ll receive a detailed summary about your lung health. This resource will help you discuss your next steps with your clinician, including whether or not you're eligible for a lung cancer screening.
Are you at risk?
Take our quiz.Meet your lung screening nurse navigators.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above and have questions about lung cancer screening, call 202-877-7768.
If you reach voicemail, please leave your name and phone number, and we will return your call within 24-72 business hours.
Learn more about our lung cancer screenings.
Lung Cancer Screening Q&A with Dr. Jessica Wang Memoli
Lung cancer is the leading cancer causing death in the U.S. among men and women. Watch Dr. Jessica Wang Memoli's, Pulmonologist and director of Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonary at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, lung cancer screening Q&A to learn more about the importance of screenings for early detection of lung cancer.
Lung cancer screening helped Curtis catch his cancer early.
An online ad may have saved Washington, D.C., resident Curtis Mapp’s life. Curtis had been a smoker for 57 years and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so when he saw an ad online from MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center about lung cancer screening, he thought it would be a good idea to get screened. He talked to his primary care provider who agreed that screening made sense.
After the initial imaging found a nodule that was concerning for cancer on Curtis’ lung, he was quickly scheduled for a full body PET CT and referred right away for surgery with a thoracic surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. His surgeon performed a wedge resection on the right upper lobe of Curtis’ lung to remove the tumor. After testing the nodule that was removed from the lung, it was determined to be an adenocarcinoma. The good news was that it had not spread beyond his lung.
At his six-month follow-up appointment, there was no sign of the cancer returning. Curtis also took additional steps to improve his health, taking part in the MedStar Washington Hospital smoking cessation program.
Frequently asked questions.
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Is there an effective way to screen for lung cancer?
For many years, there was no effective way to find lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Regular chest X-rays have been studied as a screening test for people at higher risk for lung cancer, but they haven't proven to help most people live longer.
Recently, however, a test known as a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan was approved as an effective screening tool. Research has shown that unlike chest x-rays, yearly LDCT scans to screen people at higher risk of lung cancer can save lives. For these people, getting yearly LDCT scans before symptoms start, has been shown to lower the risk of dying from lung cancer by as much as 20% compared to chest X-rays.
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What is the difference between a chest X-Ray and a chest CT scan?
A chest X-ray is an imaging procedure that uses a very small amount of radiation, which quickly goes through your body in order to capture an internal 2-D image of your chest. A chest CT scan is a more detailed type of chest X-ray that compounds the power of X-rays and computers to deliver a 3-D view of your chest. This creates a clear view that shows the position, shape, and size of the organs in your chest. The screening CT scan is a relatively simple procedure. You will need to lie flat on the scanner table for less than 10 minutes.
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What if I don't qualify for a low-dose lung CT scan?
The criteria for a low-dose CT scan are very specific. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria above, we encourage you to discuss your results and concerns with your primary care provider.
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Who should get screened for lung cancer with a low-dose CT of the chest?
You should get screened if you:
- Between the ages of 50 and 80
- Still smoke or quit within the last 15 years
- Have a heavy smoking history
- Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer, such as unexplained cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss (a doctor can determine if another condition is causing these symptoms)
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How often should screening for lung cancer with a LDCT of the chest occur?
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that those that meet the criteria get screened every year. Some patients may be asked to come back sooner if a nodule is found.
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Are there risks associated with getting an LDCT of the chest?
While this is a safe procedure, the scan does have a few small risks. The amount of radiation used during this test is less than what we are exposed to annually from the sun and earth.
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What results can I expect from the screening?
Most scans find lung nodules. The majority of these nodules are benign. Lung nodules can be an early sign of lung cancer. We'll need to biopsy the nodule to find out if it is cancerous.
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Who will get the results of the screening?
The results of your lung cancer screening will be sent to the healthcare provider who ordered the exam.
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How much does a screening cost?
Screenings are fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid if you meet the eligibility guidelines. With other insurance companies, the cost varies. Our lung cancer screening program team can help you. With the right information, you can contact your insurance and find out the exact price.
Lung cancer screenings available at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St.,NW,
Washington, D.C. 20010
Additional resources
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Blog: How Do Lung Cancer Stages Affect Treatment Success?