Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening involves testing for lung cancer in people who have no symptoms but are at high risk for the disease. Here are some things to know about lung cancer screening:

• Who should be screened: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a history of heavy smoking (at least a 30 pack-year history) and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
• How it’s done: A low-dose CT scan is a type of X-ray that uses low doses of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. The scan takes only a few minutes and is painless.
• Benefits of screening: The main benefit of lung cancer screening is that it can detect lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. Early detection may also increase the chances of being cured of the disease.
• Risks of screening: There are risks associated with lung cancer screening, including false-positive results, which can lead to further testing and procedures that may be unnecessary. There is also a risk of exposure to low levels of radiation from the CT scan.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if lung cancer screening is right for you. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and discuss any concerns you may have. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer.