Eligible Sandhills residents can receive a lung cancer screening at no cost through FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ Lung Bus, with support from The Foundation of FirstHealth.
The mobile program brings low-dose CT scans into local communities, helping people access screening closer to home. During November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month, FirstHealth is encouraging residents with a history of smoking to find out whether they qualify.
Who Qualifies for a Lung Screening?
FirstHealth lists the following criteria for screening aboard the Lung Bus:
- Be between 50 and 80 years old.
- Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years.
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
- Have not had a chest CT scan within the past 12 months.
- Have no health condition that limits life expectancy or the ability to undergo surgery if cancer is found.
A health care professional should review your history and confirm whether screening is appropriate.
What Does “20 Pack-Years” Mean?
Pack-years describe a person’s lifetime cigarette exposure. Multiply the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked. One pack daily for 20 years, or two packs daily for 10 years, equals 20 pack-years.
Lung Bus Coming to Pinehurst November 14
The Lung Bus is scheduled to provide no-cost screenings for eligible patients during the Wings of Hope Walk & Run on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at FirstHealth Fitness, 170 Memorial Drive in Pinehurst.
The event schedule lists check-in at 8:30 a.m., an opening celebration at 9 a.m. and the 5K walk and run at 9:30 a.m. These are event times; contact the Lung Bus team to confirm screening hours, availability and registration requirements.
How to Ask About an Appointment
Call 910-715-LUNG (5864) or email LungBus@FirstHealth.org to discuss eligibility and upcoming screening opportunities.
Residents who cannot attend November 14 can ask about other stops. FirstHealth says the bus visits locations such as churches, senior centers and businesses throughout the Sandhills.
Why Screening Matters
According to the CDC, screening can find lung cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment may work better. Screening also carries risks, including false-positive results and radiation exposure, so discuss the benefits and risks with your health care provider.
The no-cost offer applies to eligible screenings. Ask the program about any potential costs for follow-up care if additional testing is recommended.
Sources: FirstHealth Lung Bus information; FirstHealth’s November 3 announcement via the Richmond Observer; Wings of Hope event details; CDC screening guidance.
