If you smoke or have a history of smoking, it might be time for a lung check.
Lung cancer screening is quick, painless, and gives you the best chance at a lung cancer-free life.
Early detection is key. Most lung cancers are found late, after people develop symptoms and treatment options are limited. If lung cancer is found earlier, it is easier to treat and cure.
What is LungCheck?
Just like a skin check or blood pressure check, a lung screening exam should be done yearly. Getting your lungs checked should be part of your annual checkup routine.
If your doctor recommends lung screening, they do NOT think you have lung cancer, they’re just checking!
LungCheck can help you breathe easy.
Am I Eligible for a LungCheck?
Review these criteria with your doctor to see if LungCheck is right for you:
I am between 50-80-years old (50-77 years old with Medicare & Medicaid)
At least a 20 pack-year smoking history (your doctor will help you calculate this)
Currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years
Do I need a LungCheck?
I quit smoking.
Congratulations! Quitting smoking was one of the best things you’ve done for your health.
If you quit within the past 15 years, a LungCheck is the next step to helping you live a longer, healthier life.
I’m still smoking.
Yes! Just like checking your blood pressure, a LungCheck is still a good idea to make sure that everything is okay.
How do I get a LungCheck?
Step 1
First, ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for lung cancer screening. They will review your smoking history with you.
Step 2
Your doctor will place an order for LungCheck if it is right for you.
Step 3
If you are a patient at Community Healthcare Network Long Island City or at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Brooklyn, a navigator will call you to help schedule your LungCheck at a nearby radiology office. If you have additional questions, you may email the navigator at hello@lungcheck.org.
If you are a patient outside of Community Healthcare Network Long Island City or NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Brooklyn, your doctor will let you know how to schedule your LungCheck at an approved screening center.
For More Information
Find a Screening Center
One-on-one assistance, support, treatment information, and finding care close to home.
Resource for lung cancer screening with the latest research, toolkits and key patient information.
New York lung cancer screening locations. Search by address or zip code to find a center near you.
What happens during a LungCheck scan?
Lung screening is done at a radiology center. You will lie on your back on the CT scanner table. The technologist will ask you to hold your breath for several seconds while they take pictures of your lungs using x-rays. Then you’re done and free to go about your day without any restrictions.
What do my results mean?
Your results will fall into one of these categories: negative, positive, or incomplete.
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Almost everyone has nodules on their lungs, just like almost everyone has moles or freckles on their skin. If you have no lung nodules, or nodules that look benign, then your exam is considered negative. You will be asked to return for another LungCheck in 12 months.
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Sometimes the doctor needs more information about a nodule. You will be asked to come back in 3 or 6 months to repeat the scan to see if the nodule has changed or grown. Depending on the results of this follow-up scan, you will get another scan in 6 or 12 months.
Very rarely, your doctor will recommend a lung biopsy. Biopsies are recommended only when absolutely necessary.
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Sometimes, more images are needed. One common example is when you have a lung infection, like pneumonia. You might be asked to come back to repeat the scan in 1-3 months to see if the infection got better. It is important to follow-up.
How often do I need a LungCheck?
Most people need a LungCheck every 12 months. You should think about making this part of your annual physical exam.
Contact a Navigator
LungCheck navigators are here to help make sure that your experience is seamless from start to finish. Navigators are at your service to answer questions and solve problems. Navigators can help you schedule appointments, send reminders, and make sure getting to your appointment is easy.
Getting a LungCheck doesn’t have to be challenging! You’re never alone in this process. There is a dedicated team ready to assist you, so you can breathe easy.
Smoking Cessation Resources
Online - Smokefree.gov
Many people who smoke don’t know where to begin their quit journeys. There isn’t one right way to start, but getting prepared and knowing what to expect can make things easier.
Text - Smokefree.gov
Smokefree.gov offers free text messaging programs that give 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips for becoming smokefree and being healthier.
Text QUIT to 47848
Talk - NYC Smoke-Free
Whether you want help to quit or have questions about our services, we're here to help. To talk with a Quit Coach: