Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. A low-dose CT scan (CAT scan) is one way to find the cancer in its earliest stages while it is still treatable.
The TGH Lung Cancer Screening Program is committed to lowering the impact of lung cancer through prevention, early detection and world-class treatment. Our program is designed for individuals at high risk, particularly those aged 50–80 with a history of smoking. We do so in a patient-centered manner that’s inclusive, diverse, proactive and visionary. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, we are committed to offering individualized, evidence-based care through lung screening and management. Years of clinical research, including the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST), has demonstrated that, in certain high-risk individuals, a well-coordinated approach to lung cancer screening can save 1 in 5 lives from lung cancer.
If you would like to get a lung cancer screening, please fill out our form and our lung screening Nurse Navigator will reach out to you.
Why Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening can be part of your preventative health check, just like a mammogram or a colonoscopy. The screening checks your lungs while you are feeling healthy.
It’s important to know that more people die of lung cancer in America than any other form of cancer. But lung cancer can be curable when found in its earlier stages, and we now have the technology and equipment to do so.
For additional smoking cessation resources and programs, please visit www.ahectobacco.com.
Why Choose TGH for Lung Screening?
Tampa General Hospital has been nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer. This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to the highest standards in early detection, responsible screening practices, and lifesaving care. As a GO2 Center of Excellence, we ensure that every patient receives evidence-based, equitable, and safe low-dose CT screening delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to improving outcomes.
Also, our TGH Cancer Institute is one of the few Florida cancer centers backed by academic medicine and ranks among the nation’s top 50 cancer centers in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals and No. 3 in Florida. Our institute provides comprehensive care via groundbreaking therapies, advanced diagnostic imaging tools and a highly coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to world-class patient care.
The first step in lung cancer screening is a shared decision-making discussion with a health care provider to determine if lung cancer screening is appropriate for you. A health care provider will determine your eligibility for screening and refer you to our clinic, if appropriate.
Prior to your lung screening at Tampa General Hospital, you will meet with TGH’s lung screening nurse practitioner to go over the benefits and risks of a lung cancer screening. According to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, LDCT (low dose CT) lung screening is recommended for people who meet the following criteria and are at high risk for lung cancer:
Current or former smoker
Between the ages of 50 – 80 years old
Has a smoking history of an average of one pack a day for 20 years (minimum 20 pack-years*)
*Pack-years is the equivalent of smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for a year (i.e. one pack per day for 20 years, two packs per day for 10 years, etc.)
Lung screening is not recommended for those who currently have symptoms or a history of lung cancer. If you believe that you are a candidate, please complete the screening form or call (813) 844-4278 and our TGH Lung Screening Coordinator, Jessica Rubin, will be in contact with you within 24 – 48 hours.
Low dose CT lung screening is one of the easiest screening exams you can have. The exam takes less than 30 seconds while you lie down as still as possible on the table of the machine. You may be asked to hold your breath for at least 6 seconds while the chest scan is being taken.
No medications are given, and no needles are used. You can eat before and after the exam. You do not even need to get changed as long as the clothing on your chest does not contain metal.
How Much Does a Lung Screening Cost?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) approved coverage for lung screening on Feb. 5, 2015. Medicare Parts A and B cover lung screening as a preventative screen (no deductible required). Lung screening is also covered by Medicare Advantage and private insurance plans. Please check with your insurance carrier for details.
Our dedicated thoracic radiologists will read your scan and report the results to ensure that you will be notified within a few days. In addition, everyone will have their report sent to their Primary Care Provider (PCP). You will be notified of your results by our lung cancer screening nurse practitioner.
How Do You Manage My Lung Screening Findings?
A 12-month follow-up screening will be recommended if an individual remains high risk. The TGH Lung Navigator will facilitate scheduling your follow-up scan and will have ongoing communication with you and your physician throughout your participation in our clinic.
Individuals with an abnormal finding will be contacted by our Lung Navigator, Jessica Rubin. Recommendations are made collaboratively by pulmonology and thoracic radiology for further follow-up.
If Smoking Makes Me High Risk for Lung Cancer, Will You Help Me Stop Smoking?
All individuals seeking lung screening should discuss smoking cessation with their health care provider. You will also receive smoking cessation education, support, and resources from our lung cancer screening navigator. TGH offers FREE access to tobacco cessation programs. The Tools to Quit program is designed to help participants learn about preparing to quit, skills to deal with nicotine cravings and dealing with slips. Tools to Quit classes are offered in English and Spanish. Participants will receive free patches, gum, or lozenges, if medically appropriate.
