Patients with lung cancer who are diagnosed and treated at an early stage have a much higher survival rate.
UC San Diego Health's lung cancer screening program helps current and former smokers determine their risk for lung cancer. Your screening includes a low-dose CT scan that produces cross-sectional images of your lungs, allowing a radiologist to detect any signs of early-stage lung cancer.
Our program is accredited by the American College of Radiology, which means that our doctors, facilities, and CT scanning equipment meet rigorous lung cancer screening standards.
Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?
We recommend screening for those who fit these criteria:
- Age 55–77
- Current smoker or former smoker who quit smoking within the past 15 years
- Smoking history of 30 or more pack years
- No signs or symptoms of lung disease
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover lung cancer screening for patients who fit these criteria.
Make a Lung Cancer Screening Appointment
Your doctor can refer you for lung cancer screening, or you can call us to make an appointment. Our screening coordinator will determine your eligibility and answer any questions. To make an appointment, call 877-586-4727.
Same-Day Lung Cancer Screening and Results
We offer same-day screening and results. After your CT scan is complete, you'll meet with a doctor to review your results. Your doctor will provide recommendations based on your scan, which could include tobacco counseling, additional tests and scans, or referral to a lung cancer specialist.
We Can Help You Quit Smoking
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking. Research shows that even heavy smokers can significantly lower their risk of lung cancer when they quit smoking. Our lung cancer screening program has a tobacco treatment specialist on staff who can help you stop smoking. For more information, call 877-586-4727 or visit Quit Smoking.