FARGO -The American Lung Association is offering free lung cancer screenings to residents across North Dakota.

Individuals who are between the ages of 50 and 80 and have a history smoking may be at high risk for lung cancer. Residents in the following counties face higher rates of lung cancer than those in neighboring counties, and are encouraged to participate in the program, which runs through the end of June: Rolette, Nelson, Benson, Grand Forks, Williams, Morton, Mercer and McLean.

Every two and a half minutes, someone learns they have lung cancer in the U.S., while another eight million qualify as high-risk. Early detection is key because lung cancer can be treated with, and may even be cured, if found and treated in its early stages before it spreads to other parts of the body, according to the association. In North Dakota, only 19.2% of those at high risk have been screened for lung cancer, the association stated.

“Lung cancer accounts for more than 20% of cancer deaths making it the #1 cause of cancer deaths for both women and men in the United States,” said Mikayla Pittman, manager, Nationwide Health Promotions for the Lung Association. “Many people don’t know they’re at risk and getting screened can save thousands of lives by improving treatment outcomes.”

Under the program, participants can call a Lung Health Navigator at 844-ALA-LUNG to find out if they are eligible for a screening. If they are eligible, the Lung Association will support callers by providing information on nearby screening centers along with guidance on how to obtain a referral from their doctor. Assistance in understanding insurance coverage is also available.

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

The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, if participants don’t have insurance, then the Lung Association will cover the screening costs.