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Lung Cancer Screening at Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý (MGH) helps identify lung cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Ontario, but early detection can save lives.  

As one of the designated OLSP sites, MGH offers free screening for patients at high risk which involves a quick low-dose CT scan to detect lung cancer. 

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Program at MGH and how to apply,

How do I get a Lung Cancer Screening CT scan? 

To take part, you must: 

• Be 55 to 80 years of age, 
• Be a smoker or former smoker, 
• Have smoked cigarettes daily for at least 20 yearsâ€�(it does not have to be 20 years in a row), 
• Have an OHIP card 

You can either sign up yourself or your doctor can refer you. 

If you sign up yourself, you MUST have a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) who will receive the results of the scan.  If you do not have one, the lung cancer screening navigator will contact you after you have submitted your application.   

To apply,�either you or your doctor must submit the OLSP Lung Cancer Screening Referral form or contact the lung cancer screening navigator at @email, Phone: 416-469-6580 ext. 3475, Fax: 416-469-7753.

What to expect?

• After you apply, the Lung Cancer Screening Program Navigator will call you.
• The navigator will confirm that you are eligible for the screening program.
• If you are eligible, a CT scan will be booked for you.

Where do I go for my test?

• Arrive 30 minutes before your CT scan. While the scan itself takes only 10 seconds, plan to be at the hospital for 90 minutes.
• Register in Patient Registration on M1.
• Then go to the Diagnostic Imaging department on H1 for your CT scan. 
• The scan is painless and takes just a few minutes.
• You don’t need to take any medications or receive any needles for this test. 
• After your CT scan, follow up with your doctor or nurse practitioner to get the results. 

Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening

• Early detection of lung cancer has a much better chance of cure. 
• Otherwise, lung cancer symptoms don’t typically appear until the disease is already at an advanced stage. 

Risks of Lung Cancer Screening

• A CT scan may detect scars, inflammation, infection or other findings.  These could cause anxiety and may result in you getting more tests. 
• There is a small chance that a CT scan may miss lung cancer. Regular screening is important, as follow-up tests may be needed to confirm whether cancer is present or not.
• Low-dose CT scans expose you to a small amount of radiation. The risk of developing cancer from these scans is very low.  
• Typically, the benefits of the lung cancer screening CT scans outweigh the risks.

How to reduce your risk of lung cancer

• Most lung cancers are caused by smoking.  
• Speak to your doctor and pharmacist about quitting smoking. 
• See MGH’s smoking cessation pamphlet “Your Guide to Quit Smokingâ€� on The Chest Centre (Respirology) page.

If you need to cancel your test, tell your doctor's office and the Diagnostic Imaging Department as soon as possible. You can contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at: 416-469-6401, 416-469-6580 ext. 2310, @email.

Learning Modules and Patient Resources

• Your Guide to Quit Smoking
• Call the toll-fee Pan-Canadian Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 to talk to a quit coach.