Lung Van
Our Lung Van is a convenient way for patients to detect lung cancer early, before it spreads. This new program brings advanced screening technology closer to where patients live and work in St. Louis and the surrounding region.
Expanding Access to Lung Screening in Your Community
New for 2026, Siteman Cancer Center has launched a mobile Lung Van to expand access to early lung cancer detection across Missouri.
Identifying cancer early is when it is the most treatable, and our Lung Van is a convenient way for patients to detect lung cancer before it spreads. The van travels throughout the surrounding St. Louis region.
This new program builds on Siteman’s commitment to prevention and early detection, bringing advanced screening technology beyond the walls of the hospital and closer to where patients live and work. All imaging is performed using state-of-the-art equipment and read by a team of WashU Medicine physicians specializing in radiology and oncology.
Eligibility
We base eligibility for screening in our lung screening van on age, smoking history, and time since quitting.
If you meet the following criteria, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
- Age between 50–80
- 20 pack-year smoking history – meaning you smoked an average of a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years
- Currently smoke, or quit within the past 15 years
- Showing no signs or symptoms of cancer
Second opinions at Siteman Cancer Center
If you’ve already had lung cancer screening done at another institution, our imaging specialists can compare the images to current low-dose CT scans done at our facility. Patients must be the ones to initiate the medical records transfer.
Your Second Opinion at Siteman
Siteman wants to be your first choice for cancer care, but that might not always be possible. If you have received a cancer diagnosis, started care somewhere else, or are a physician seeking specialized care for your patient, ask us about a second opinion. You can start the process. To make it easy, our care coordinators guide scheduling for yourself or your patient.
Advantages
Detecting lung cancer earlier makes it easier to treat—if doctors catch it before it spreads to other parts of the body, the likelihood of survival can improve by 65%.
Results
Your results will be available within 7-10 days of your appointment. If you do not have any abnormalities from the screening, we will issue a notice to you in the mail and through your MyChart account.
If you receive abnormal results, a care coordinator will call you to talk through the next steps. They’ll be happy to schedule an appointment and answer any questions you might have.
Calculate Your Disease Risk®
Your Disease Risk® is an educational tool that was developed for Siteman Cancer Center at BJC Healthcare and WashU Medicine by a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, programmers and health communication experts to create a snapshot of your risk for cancer and other major diseases. Once you receive a estimate, the tool includes tips on ways you can lower your risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors recommend screening for lung cancer so you can detect cancer earlier, before symptoms start to show up. With earlier detection, cancer is easier to treat and reduces your chance of remission.
Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to detect early signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear.
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan or spiral CT, uses X-ray technology to form a medical image. A tube revolves around your body to create a 3D image by gathering cross-sectional slices. This type of imaging gives your doctor a clearer picture from various angles compared to a standard X-ray scan.
In a low-dose CT scan, it delivers 1/5 of a lower radiation dose to decrease the risk associated with more frequent exams. Since the lungs are hollow, radiologists do not need to use as much radiation to scan them.
Most patients who get lung cancer don’t have a family history of the disease, so it’s important to get screened annually even if you don’t think you are at high risk.
If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, we recommend that you schedule screening as part of your standard care.
There is nothing you need to prepare for your appointment in the Lung Van other than scheduling your appointment.
The screening takes place in a 40-foot van, offering a comfortable and private location to undergo imaging.
When you first arrive, a specialist will review your insurance and paperwork. If you are not insured, they will work with you on other options so that cost is not a barrier to getting screened.
You will then speak with a Siteman technologist who will ask you a few questions about your medical history before conducting the scan.
At Siteman, our lung cancer imaging specialists are part of a team at WashU Medicine who have advanced certification in CT imaging and have undergone rigorous training in lung anatomy and physiology.
WashU Medicine radiologists, who subspecialize in lung cancer health care and research, review every CT scan. They are internationally recognized and board-certified to provide the highest level of precision when they interpret your images.
If your results are flagged with abnormalities, that does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Follow-up tests a physician might order for you include a PET scan, a PET-CT scan, or a diagnostic scan. Based on the results of your follow-up test, you may need a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.
Yes, the Lung Van has a motorized lift to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs.
Most types of imaging involve some radiation risk, including in a low-dose CT scan. Because the radiation used in screenings is minimal, often, the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.
While most health insurance plans cover the cost of cancer screenings, you should call your insurance carrier before your appointment to confirm whether they will cover it. Patients on Medicare can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit their website for more information.
If you are underinsured or uninsured, you may qualify for financial help. Reach out to BJC HealthCare for more information.
Thank you for your interest in bringing the Siteman Lung Van to your community or organization.
The Lung Van travels throughout the region, providing convenient access to lung cancer screening services. We offer screening for all eligible patients, regardless of insurance, or income.
Share your location information by completing the form below, and our team will review your request.
If you have questions, please contact Katie Lewis at [email protected]