Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening is a process used to detect lung cancer in people who are at high risk of developing the disease, but do not have any symptoms.

Who Should Get Screened?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for adults aged 50 to 80 years who:

• Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years, etc.)
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Screening Tests

The most commonly used screening test for lung cancer is:

• Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT): This is a type of CT scan that uses low doses of radiation to take detailed pictures of the lungs. LDCT is more sensitive than chest X-rays in detecting small lung tumors.

How Is Lung Cancer Screening Performed?

The LDCT scan is typically performed as follows:

• The patient lies on a table that slides into the CT scanner
• The scanner takes multiple images of the lungs using low doses of radiation
• The entire process usually takes about 10-15 minutes

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Lung Cancer Screening?

The benefits of lung cancer screening include:

• Detecting lung cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable
• Potentially reducing the risk of death from lung cancer

The risks of lung cancer screening include:

• False positives (abnormal results that are not cancer)
• Overdiagnosis (detecting slow-growing tumors that may never cause symptoms or harm)
• Radiation exposure from the CT scan

What Happens If an Abnormality Is Detected?

If an abnormality is detected on the LDCT scan, the patient may undergo:

• Further Imaging Tests: Such as a PET scan or a biopsy to determine if the abnormality is cancerous
• Biomarker Testing: To identify genetic mutations that may be associated with lung cancer
• Treatment: If lung cancer is diagnosed, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy