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Get Screened for Lung Cancer

Ask your doctor for a referral for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening at Cone Health. Or call our nurse navigators at:

  • Burlington and Greensboro - 336-522-8999
  • Reidsville - 336-951-4678

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening CT ScanDiscover lung cancer early—before symptoms appear—to increase your chances for effective, lifesaving treatment. Turn to Cone Health for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.

Do I Need a Screening?

You qualify for a screening if you:

  • Are 50 to 80 years old?
  • Have a 20 pack-year smoking history? (Use this tool to calculate your pack years.)
  • Smoke currently or quit smoking within the last 15 years?

Lung Cancer: Not Only a Risk for Smokers

Lung cancer is often associated with smoking, but it's important to know that non-smokers can also develop this serious disease. In fact, 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked. Being aware of the signs, symptoms and risk factors can help catch lung cancer early, even if you don't smoke.

No matter your background, if you experience any of these symptoms and especially if they last for several weeks, consult your doctor. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Chronic Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time.
  • Coughing Up Blood: Any blood in your spit or mucus.
  • Chest Pain: Pain that worsens with deep breaths, laughing, or coughing.
  • Hoarseness: A change in your voice that lasts for a while.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath during normal activities.
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak without a clear reason.
  • Loss of Appetite: Not feeling hungry or losing weight without trying.
  • Frequent Lung Infections: Recurrent issues like bronchitis or pneumonia that don’t seem to clear up.
  • Wheezing: A whistling sound when you breathe.
  • Swelling in the Face or Neck: Noticeable swelling could indicate a problem with blood flow.

Groups with Highest Rates of Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers

  • Women: About two-thirds of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are women, indicating a higher risk compared to men.
  • Age Group: Most cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 40 and older.
  • Young Women: There is a rising trend of lung cancer diagnoses among young women who have never smoked.
  • Asian and Asian-American Populations: These groups have higher rates of lung cancer among non-smokers compared to other demographics. In fact, lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among Asian American women.
  • African American Populations: African American women have significantly higher incidence rates of lung cancer compared to women of European descent who have never smoked. African American men also show elevated risks, although data is limited.
  • Hispanic Populations: While Hispanic populations generally have lower rates of lung cancer compared to other groups, they still experience cases among non-smokers.

Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers: Watch Their Stories

Althea's Story

Lynn's Story

Effective Lung Cancer Screening

Take advantage of the most effective method of screening at Cone Health. Studies show that people at high risk of developing lung cancer who have yearly low-dose CT scans have better outcomes than high-risk patients who are screened using a standard chest X-ray.

Before Your Test

Begin by meeting with your doctor or a nurse navigator to discuss:

  • The risks and benefits of a screening for you
  • Information about how to quit smoking, or remain smoke free, if applicable
  • Your ability and willingness to commit to follow-up care after your scan

Then, you’ll work together to decide whether to schedule a screening.

What to Expect at Your Exam

Lung Cancer AllianceA low-dose CT scan is a simple, painless imaging test. You’ll lie on your back on a table attached to a donut-shaped scanner machine. To help us get the best quality image possible, you’ll be asked to place your arms above your head and hold your breath for about 10 seconds.

You can eat and drink normally before and after your test. You won’t need to take a contrast material dye.

Accredited Screening Services

Trust Cone Health to provide safe, accurate, timely CT services. Our CT imaging is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and our network includes three Designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers—Alamance Regional Outpatient Imaging Center, Annie Penn Hospital and LeBauer Health Care.

Insurance Coverage

Medicare and private insurance cover low-dose CT scan lung cancer screening if you meet qualifying criteria. Medicare covers annual screenings only until you are 77 years old.

For Referring Providers

If you care for patients who are current or former heavy smokers, we encourage you to print out and save the following document with information about our lung cancer screening program.