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Lung cancer screening is an easy and effective way to help find lung cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be cured with treatment, giving you more time to do the things you enjoy.
Who can be screened for lung cancer?
You may be able to get a lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 or older and
- Have a 20 pack-year* smoking history and
- Currently smoke or used to smoke
*A pack-year is equal to smoking 1 pack (or about 20 cigarettes) per day for a year. Examples: 20 pack-year history = smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years or by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years.
Lung cancer screening can find cancer before any symptoms are present. Some common symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain that may be worse when coughing, laughing, or deep breathing, and/or hoarseness. If you have symptoms of lung cancer talk to your health care provider.
What is screening like?
Lung cancer screening is quick and painless. The recommended screening test is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. The entire scan only takes a few minutes and there are no medications or IVs required. For the scan, you lie down on a table, then the table moves you in and out of a machine that takes X-rays to create detailed images of your lungs. During the scan you need to lie as still as possible, and you may be asked to hold your breath for a brief period of time.
How do I get screened for lung cancer?
Talk to your health care provider about lung cancer screening. If they determine you are eligible for screening, then they will have a discussion with you about the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening. This is called a shared decision-making discussion and it will help you decide if you want to get screened. During this discussion, they may also review the importance of being screened every year and encourage you to quit smoking if you currently smoke. If you decide you want to be screened for lung cancer, then the next step is to get the LDCT scan.
What’s next?
Once you have been screened for lung cancer, it is important to be screened every year until your health care provider recommends you stop. If screening finds something abnormal, then follow-up tests will likely be needed.
Help to maintain your health by:
- Eating nutritious foods
- Being physically active
- Connecting often with family and friends
- Avoiding the use of tobacco products
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