Skip to main content
Update Location

My Location

Update your location to show providers, locations, and services closest to you.

Enter a zip code
Or
Select a campus/region
(904) 244-0411

Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT)

Appointments: (904) 244-8677
Low dose lung cancer screening with lung nodules

The Thoracic Oncology Program at the UF Health Cancer Center in Jacksonville offers lung cancer screenings using a safe, low-dose CT scan. The American Lung Association endorses facilities which use a team of experts for lung cancer screening procedures. UF practices multidisciplinary care from the departments of Radiology, Medicine and Surgery to provide the best management for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for lung cancer screening?

You should be screened for lung cancer if you are:

  • A current or former smoker
  • Age 55 to 74 years
  • Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (one pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)

These people are in the group at highest risk for lung cancer. The risk for lung cancer is different for each person. If you are not in this group, talk to your doctor about your your concerns.

Should I get a CT scan to screen for lung cancer?

Speak with your primary care physician about getting a CT scan to screen for lung cancer. Research has shown that detecting small lung cancers early with computed tomography (CT) reduces lung-cancer-specific mortality by 20 percent.

CT images comparing lungs with and without lung cancer
Normal chest vs. chest with right-lung cancer

What happens if I choose to get a CT scan for lung cancer?

UF Health Jacksonville employs "best practices" for lung cancer screening. This means a multidisciplinary team of experts will clearly explain the procedure and process. Patients will be told of any risks with the screening as well as how the office will follow up with them after the initial screening.

What does it cost to have a CT scan for lung cancer?

The out-of-pocket/up-front cost is $325 to the patient and is covered by most health insurance providers as long as it's a medical necessity. The initial cost to the patient covers the low-dose CT scan as well as consultation with a board-certified pulmonologist to discuss the results and next steps to be taken if any. Any additional testing or evaluation performed as a result of recommendations arising from the screening exam are not free of charge and will be billed to insurance.

Related conditions & treatments