Talk to Your Doctor or Health Provider
If you think you may qualify for a lung cancer screening, you can simply ask at your next appointment. You do not need to wait for your doctor to bring it up.
Try saying: “I’d like to talk about lung cancer screening. Do I qualify for a low-dose CT scan?”
Be ready to share:
- Your age
- How long you smoked and how much (for example: “a pack a day for 25 years”)
- Whether you still smoke or when you quit
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed, such as a cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Whether anyone in your family has had lung cancer
Find a Screening Location Near You
To find a lung cancer screening location close to home, visit:
bit.ly/lung-cancer-screening-locator-tool
You can also ask your Indian Health Service clinic or tribal health program — they can often help you find a nearby location or refer you directly.
What If You Don’t Meet the Eligibility Criteria?
If you are worried about your lungs but don’t meet the age or smoking history guidelines, you can still talk to your provider. Symptoms like a lasting cough, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain should always be checked — no matter your age or smoking history.
Care Navigators
Many tribal health programs and urban Indian health organizations have care navigators — people whose job is to help you understand your options, find providers, read your results, and speak up for your needs. Ask your clinic if this service is available.
If You Are Told No
If a provider tells you that you don’t qualify or denies a referral you believe you should get:
- Ask them to explain the reason and write it in your record
- Request a second opinion
- Contact your tribal health program or urban Indian health organization for support and advocacy