Covenant Health Expands Access to Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screenings During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection saves lives, and this November, we’re taking steps to help our communities breathe more easily. Covenant Health is expanding access to low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screenings to increase early detection and improve survival rates for high-risk individuals. 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women. More than 200,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year alone, and nearly half will not survive it. But there is hope: early detection through LDCT screenings can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 24 percent among high-risk individuals.  

Since 2014, the 5-year survival rate has already improved from 17 percent up to 27 percent, largely due to early detection. Despite its effectiveness, less than 10 percent of eligible Americans are currently being screened. That’s why Covenant Health is expanding access to LDCT screenings across East Tennessee, making it easier for people to take charge of their lung health.  

“Early detection saves lives,” said Covenant Health Thoracic Surgeon David Graham, MD, FACS. “By expanding our screening availability and raising awareness, we hope to empower more people with their lung health.” 

Expanded Screening Locations and Services 

In support of Lung Cancer Screening Day, select Covenant Health locations will be offering LDCT screenings by appointment on Saturday, November 8. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort led by the American Cancer Society, National Lung Cancer Roundtable, American College of Radiology, Radiology Health Equity Coalition and Go2ForLungCancer.  
 
Covenant Health offers LDCT screenings at multiple locations across East Tennessee, which include: 

• Covenant Health Claiborne
• Covenant Health Cumberland*
• Covenant Health Fort Loudoun
• Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional*
• Covenant Health LeConte*
• Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen*
• Covenant Health Methodist*
• Covenant Health Parkwest*
• Covenant Health Roane
• Covenant Health South
• Covenant Health West

*Location will be offering LDCT appointments on Saturday, November 8, 2025.  

Who Should Get Screenings 

LDCT screening is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. You may qualify if you: 

• Are between the ages of 50–80 
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer 
• Have a history of smoking tobacco 
• Are a current smoker or quit within the last 15 years 

Additional risk factors include:  

• Exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, beryllium, chromium, diesel fumes, nickel, silica, and arsenic 
• Personal history of emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis 
• Family history of lung cancer 

A Network You Can Trust 

Covenant Health’s cancer care network is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a recognition of our commitment to excellence in cancer prevention, education and treatment. We are proud to offer high-quality, patient-centered care that supports individuals and families throughout their cancer journey and beyond. 

Schedule Your Screening Today 

LDCT screenings require a physician’s order. If you think you may be eligible, talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening with Covenant Health. 

For more information, call our Customer Care Center at 865-374-0411 or visit CovenantHealth.com.