Lung Cancer Screening: Who Should Get Tested and When
Lung cancer screening is a preventive test designed to detect lung cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms develop. Early detection significantly improves treatment options and survival rates.
Screening is performed using a low-dose CT scan, which can identify small lung nodules that may not be visible on standard X-rays. In the United States, lung cancer screening is recommended for adults between 50 and 80 years old with a significant smoking history.
Individuals who currently smoke or who have quit within the last 15 years may benefit the most from screening. Non-smokers generally do not require routine screening unless they have specific risk factors, such as a strong family history or long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos or prolonged second-hand smoke.
Most abnormalities found during screening are not cancer. If something unusual is detected, follow-up imaging or monitoring is usually recommended to ensure safety.
A pulmonologist can evaluate personal risk factors and help determine whether lung cancer screening is appropriate. When detected early, lung cancer is more treatable and outcomes are significantly better.
