At Memorial Sloan Kettering, our lung cancer screening program provides low-dose lung CT screening to people who currently and used to smoke who are at a high risk for developing lung cancer.
Who We Screen
Through this program, we provide low-dose CT screening for people who:
- currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years
- are between the ages of 50 and 80
- have smoked an average of one pack per day for at least 20 years, or the equivalent (for example, two packs a day for 10 years)
Our eligibility criteria and screening schedule are based on the results of the National Lung Screening Trial, which found that lung cancer deaths were decreased by 20 percent in people who had annual low-dose CT scans over two years. (1) At MSK, we work to ensure that we are delivering the lowest CT radiation dose possible while still getting highly accurate scans.
Initial Visit and Follow-Up Scans
The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening
When you call 646-497-9163, a Care Advisor will double-check to see if a lung screening is right for you. We will answer any questions you may have and help schedule a telemedicine visit (phone call or video chat). At your appointment, you will meet with a licensed practitioner (a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant), who will confirm your eligibility and answer any remaining questions. You can schedule your in-person low-dose CT scan, which will take less than five minutes, at any of our locations. Learn more about coming to MSK, including our visitor policy.
We will call you with your test results, typically within one business day, and let you know if any additional steps are recommended.
Once we get your results from your initial low-dose CT scan, we will determine if your follow up will be every 12 months or sooner.
Scheduling Your Screening
Appointments are available at most MSK locations. For additional information about screening, to schedule an appointment, or to learn more about insurance coverage for screening, please call 646-497-9163.
If you are a current smoker and would like to receive support in quitting, we encourage you to participate in our Smoking Cessation Program.
Our Team
- Bernard Park, MD, Deputy Chief of Clinical Affairs
- Michelle S. Ginsberg, MD, Director of Cardiothoracic Imaging
- Jamie Ostroff, PhD, Director of Tobacco Treatment Program
- MSK Thoracic Surgery Service
- MSK Pulmonary Medicine Service
- MSK Department of Radiology
