Questions about lung cancer screening? Call us 24/7 at 1-844-YES-LUNG Check Eligibility
Philadelphia Lung Cancer Screening Initiative

Early detection
saves lives.

The Philadelphia Lung Cancer Screening Initiative connects eligible individuals to low-dose CT screening through community outreach and patient navigation.

Get Screened Our Mission Partner With Us

Our team has talked with over 300 patients about lung cancer screening, eligibility, and next steps.

Philadelphia · University of Pennsylvania

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but when detected early, it is highly treatable. Yet, most eligible individuals are not being screened. We are working to change that in Philadelphia.

What We Do

Bridging communities
and life-saving care

01

Community Outreach

We partner directly with trusted community institutions, including churches, mosques, and local leaders, to bring screening awareness into familiar, credible spaces. Our outreach meets people where they are.

02

Patient Navigation

Hands-on support guiding patients through every step, from eligibility assessment to scheduling and follow-up. No patient should be lost between awareness and a completed screening.

03

Health System Partnerships

We work with health systems to redesign how screening is delivered, shifting toward centralized, accessible models that reduce fragmentation and improve follow-through for every patient.

04

Reducing Barriers

Access to lung cancer screening is not just a clinical issue. It is a systems issue. We address lack of awareness, limited primary care access, insurance concerns, and transportation challenges.

We operate through a centralized model: connect, educate, navigate, and complete. A simple, patient-centered pathway from community to scan.

Four steps to screening

01

Engage

Connect with individuals through community outreach and trusted local institutions across Philadelphia.

02

Identify

Assess eligibility for LDCT screening through pre-screening conversations and eligibility tools.

03

Navigate

Guide patients through shared decision-making, referrals, and scheduling with partner clinics.

04

Complete

Support patients through LDCT scan completion, results, and continuity of follow-up care.

Reaching those most at risk

We focus on underserved and under-screened communities, individuals with limited access to healthcare, and high-risk populations eligible for LDCT screening across Philadelphia.

Lack of Awareness

Many eligible individuals don't know about screening criteria or its life-saving potential.

Limited Primary Care Access

Without a regular provider, referrals and screenings fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Insurance & Cost Concerns

Financial uncertainty prevents many from pursuing otherwise covered, life-saving screenings.

Transportation & Logistics

Practical barriers prevent follow-through even when intent and eligibility are strong.

Complex Healthcare Navigation

Fragmented systems and multiple steps create friction that our navigators help patients overcome.

Am I Eligible?

You may qualify for LDCT screening if you:
Are aged 50 to 80 years old
Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history
Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Always confirm eligibility with a healthcare provider. Our navigators can help connect you to the right program.
Check My Eligibility >

Meeting communities
where they are

We partner with churches, local leaders, and trusted community institutions to bring screening awareness into familiar spaces, building trust where it matters most.

PLCSI community outreach event PLCSI team at community event PLCSI patient navigation

No patient should be lost between awareness and screening. Our navigators ensure that interest becomes action, and action becomes completed care.

Our Partners

Built on collaboration

Healthcare Partners
  • LungWatch Clinic (Penn Medicine)
  • Pennsylvania Hospital Herron Lung Center (Penn Medicine)
  • Fox Chase Cancer Center
  • Jefferson Health
Community Organizations
  • Church of the Holy Lutheran
  • Masjid Al-Jamia
Academic Partners
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Undergraduates, medical students, and faculty from Philadelphia-area colleges and universities advancing healthcare access
Our Leadership

The team behind PLCSI

Portrait of Shivaek Venkateswaran

Shivaek Venkateswaran

Co-Director
University of Pennsylvania

Leading strategy, partnerships, and program development for PLCSI's growth across Philadelphia.

Portrait of Prithvi Parthasarathy

Prithvi Parthasarathy

Co-Director
University of Pennsylvania

Overseeing operations and implementation to ensure PLCSI's programs run seamlessly and effectively.

Portrait of Lara Elmanzalawi

Lara Elmanzalawi

Vice President
University of Pennsylvania

Driving community engagement and events to connect Philadelphia residents with screening resources.

Portrait of Dr. Ana Kolansky

Dr. Ana Kolansky, MD

Director of Lung Cancer Screening, Penn Medicine · Radiology

Provides clinical guidance on lung cancer screening protocols and patient eligibility. Supports integration with existing programs and ensures alignment with national guidelines.

Portrait of Dr. Christoph Hutchinson

Dr. Christoph Hutchinson, MD

Director, Bronchoscopy | Pennsylvania Hospital · Interventional Pulmonology

Provides clinical guidance on lung cancer screening protocols and patient eligibility. Supports integration with existing programs and ensures alignment with national guidelines.

Get Screened

Three steps to
your screening

01

Check Eligibility

Answer a few quick questions to see if you may qualify for low-dose CT lung cancer screening.

02

Speak With Our Team

Our navigators will guide you through the next steps and connect you with the right providers.

03

Schedule Your Scan

We coordinate with partner clinics to help you complete your LDCT scan at a convenient location.

Check My Eligibility >

Check if you may qualify

Lung Screening Quick Check

Use this tool for an educational pre-check based on common LDCT criteria. Final eligibility is confirmed by a healthcare provider.

Your Result

This checker reviews three common criteria: age 50 to 80, smoking exposure equal to at least 20 pack-years, and current smoking or quitting within the past 15 years.

Need help now? Email phillylcsi@gmail.com or call 1-844-YES-LUNG.

Frequently Asked
Questions

For Patients

The Philadelphia Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (PLCSI) is a community-based program founded at the University of Pennsylvania. We connect eligible individuals to low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening through outreach, navigation, and health system partnerships.
Generally, you may qualify if you are aged 50 to 80, have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Specific eligibility criteria should be confirmed with a healthcare provider. Our team can help you assess your eligibility.
For most eligible individuals, LDCT screening is covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans at no cost. Our navigators can help you understand your coverage and address any insurance or cost-related concerns.
LDCT is a quick, non-invasive scan that uses a low amount of radiation to detect lung cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. It typically takes less than 10 minutes and requires no injections or dye.
Contact our team via email or reach out through one of our community events. Our patient navigators will guide you through eligibility assessment, shared decision-making, and scheduling, all at no cost to you.

For Organizations

We welcome partnerships with community organizations, clinics, hospitals, churches, mosques, and academic institutions. Contact us to discuss how we can work together to expand screening access in your community.
Yes. We partner with health systems to facilitate direct referrals into centralized screening programs, support shared decision-making processes, and bridge community outreach with clinical care delivery. Our partners include Penn Medicine (including Pennsylvania Hospital and LungWatch Clinic), Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Jefferson Health.
PLCSI was founded by University of Pennsylvania students and welcomes volunteers and collaborators from Philadelphia-area colleges and universities, not only Penn. Undergraduates, medical students, and others are invited to reach out by email to learn about current volunteer and leadership opportunities.

Help us save more lives

Volunteer

Join our team of student and community volunteers, including undergraduates from colleges and universities across Philadelphia, not only Penn, making a direct impact in neighborhoods and clinics.

Partner With Us

We welcome community organizations, clinics, hospitals, and public health groups to join our growing coalition.

Support Our Work

Help us expand access to life-saving screening across Philadelphia's most underserved communities.