Free Lung Cancer Screenings Available to Louisiana Residents

April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month and the American Lung Association is kicking it off by offering free lung cancer screenings to Louisiana residents through its Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Louisiana. Nationally, someone learns they have lung cancer every two and a half minutes. Lung cancer screening saves lives by detecting the disease at an earlier stage when it’s more likely to be curable. 

“Increasing access to lung cancer screenings is key to saving lives. Lung cancer is a devastating disease that impacts far too many families here in Louisiana,” said Allie Kelsey, manager of Health Promotions at the American Lung Association. “Our recent State of Lung Cancer report found that our state is among the bottom five for early diagnosis and survival. Many people don’t know they’re at risk or face barriers to healthcare, so we’re encouraging Louisianans to take advantage of the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.”

Individuals in the following parishes face higher rates of lung cancer than those in neighboring parishes and are urged to participate in the program, which runs through November 30:

• Acadia Parish
• Avoyelles Parish
• Evangeline Parish
• St. Landry Parish
• Terrebonne Parish
• Tangipahoa Parish

Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• 50 – 80 years of age
• Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
• Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years

Under Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, individuals can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG (844-252-5864) to find out if they are eligible for a lung cancer screening. If they are eligible, a Lung Health Navigator will support callers by providing information on nearby screening centers along with guidance on how to obtain a referral from their doctor. Assistance in understanding insurance coverage is also available.

A Lung Health Navigator will be able to assist with financial barriers to care by covering the outstanding balance of the lung cancer screening in addition to arranging a free ride to the screening location, if necessary.

The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, if participants don’t have insurance, then the Lung Association will cover the screening costs.  Individuals can call (844) ALA-LUNG or visit  Lung.org/lcs-assistance for more information.