Free Lung Cancer Screenings Available to District Residents

American Lung Association Initiative Targets High-Risk Individuals in Southeast, Columbia Heights, Brightwood, Fort DuPont, Fort Totten, Brookland Neighborhoods

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, the American Lung Association encourages eligible District residents to take advantage of free lung cancer screenings through its Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.

The Lung Association's initiative in the District aims to increase awareness and reduce barriers to care by expanding early-stage lung cancer detection. The program provides education, guidance and support for lung cancer screening referrals and connects high-risk individuals with low-dose CT scans to catch lung cancer early, when it is more treatable.

The initiative targets high-risk individuals in the Southeast, Columbia Heights, Brightwood, Fort Dupont, Fort Totten and Brookland neighborhoods. It also includes a November through December 2026 community awareness campaign utilizing bus shelter advertising, pharmacy bag messaging, community posters and a public education video designed to raise awareness of lung cancer screening.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths here in the District and across the U.S. While new testing and treatment advancements are resulting in people living longer, barriers such as lung cancer stigma, insurance challenges and racial and ethnic disparities persist. In the District, lung cancer disproportionately impacts Black individuals, who face a lung cancer incidence rate that is four times higher and a mortality rate that is two times higher than white individuals.

"Too many people who are eligible for lung cancer screening either don't know they qualify or face barriers to getting screened," said Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy, American Lung Association. "This initiative helps connect high-risk District residents with the information and resources they need to take the next step. Screening can help find lung cancer early, when it is more treatable."

Lung cancer screening can help detect the disease before symptoms develop. According to the Lung Association's 2025 "State of Lung Cancer" report, 25.3% of people at high risk in the District were screened for lung cancer. The report also found that 28.3% of lung cancer cases in the District are diagnosed at an early stage.

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); and
• Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.

Through the program, participants can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG (844-252-5864) to find out if they are eligible for lung cancer screening. The Navigator will work one-on-one with callers throughout the screening process by providing information on nearby screening centers and guidance obtaining a referral from their doctor. Assistance in understanding insurance coverage is also available.

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

The scans are covered by most insurance plans. If participants don't have insurance, the Lung Association will cover screening costs.

Participants can find information at Lung.org/LCS-Assistance.

Editor's Note: The American Lung Association's 2026 "State of Lung Cancer" report will be released on Nov. 17, 2026.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.

Val Gleason, 717-971-1123, [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association