LEWISTON — Central Maine Medical Center is offering free early lung cancer screenings to smokers and former smokers meeting certain criteria.

CMMC will provide low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans to smokers and former smokers who are at high risk for developing lung cancer.

A recent study, called the National Lung Screening Trial, of more than 53,000 current or former heavy smokers revealed that participants who received low-dose CT scans had a 20-percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than participants who received standard chest x-rays.

CMMC has started its own lung cancer screening program.

To participate in the study, an individual must be 55 to 74 years of age and be a current or former smoker (former smokers must have quit within the previous 15 years).

Results of the screening will be sent to each participant’s primary care provider. With their permission, patients in need of a primary care provider will be referred to an appropriate health care professional.

For more information about CMMC’s early lung cancer screening, call 207-795-8354.