Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths, accounting for 1
in 5 of all cancer deaths in the United States. Lung cancer deaths are
greater than colon, breast and prostate cancer related deaths combined.
What Is Lung Cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening is an imaging test that looks for signs of lung cancer
in people who may be at high risk for the disease. The screening is completed
using high speed, low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan, also known as
a LDCT scan. The patient lies on a table while an X-ray machine uses a
low dose of radiation to create detailed imaging of your lungs. The scan
is painless and the scan time is only 4 seconds long.
Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer screenings help detect the disease early, when it is most treatable.
The screening is recommended for people who meet the following:
Between 50-80 years old
Have at least a 20-pack year smoking history (This is the number of years
you have smoked multiplied by the number of packs per day)
A pack year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for
one year. A person could have a 20-pack year history if they smoked one
pack a day for 20 years, or if they smoked 2 packs a day for 10 years.
Screening may also be recommended if you have one or more of these risk factors:
A family history of lung cancer
Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Exposure to a cancer-causing substance, such as radon, asbestos or other
carcinogen
Lung cancer screenings are offered to those who are in generally good health.
It’s important to speak with your doctor about your risk factors
to determine if screening is right for you.
