Early Detection and Screening
What is a lung screening?
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A very detailed picture of the lungs is critical for detecting lung cancer. A low-dose computed tomography scan, commonly called a low-dose CT scan or LCDT, uses x-rays images to visualize every segment of lung tissue.
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Low-dose CT scans are utilized because they are able to find abnormal or unusual tissue that could be lung cancer.
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LDCT does expose you to a small amount of radiation, although it is less than that from a standard CT scan.
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The scan is non-invasive, painless, and only takes a few minutes.
If you would like to see a 3D model and a walk through of a low-dose CT scan click here and scroll down
What does a lung cancer screening look for?
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The LDCT screening is looking for pulmonary nodule growths.
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Pulmonary nodules are abnormal growths that occur in the lungs, with over 95% being non-cancerous.
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Doctors determine whether or not is cancerous by judging the size, shape, and density of the pulmonary nodule.
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If one or more nodules are detected at the baseline screening, additional tests or a follow-up LDCT sooner than 12 months may be required.
What are the qualifications for lung cancer screening?
Between the ages of 50-80 years old
Currently smoking cigarettes or quit in the past 15 years
20 pack-year smoking history*
If you meet the criteria for an annual screen you should talk to your physician to be referred to a screening program or contact the closest center
Click here to take a quiz to see if you are eligible for an early detection lung cancer screening
Click here for the Lung Cancer Screening Locator from the American College of Radiology
*Pack-years is a specific calculation that measures the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the years a person is an active smoker. If you are unsure of your pack-years click here for a pack-year calculator: https://shouldiscreen.com/English/pack-year-calculator
Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer is the leading cause of cancer death
When lung cancer is found at an earlier stage, it is more likely to be cured and has a better survival rate.
Symptoms of lung cancer do not appear before the disease is at an advanced stage. If you have symptoms that may be from lung cancer it is important to see your doctor or physician.
Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
A cough that does not go away or gets worse
Coughing up blood or rust color sputum(spit or phlegm)
Chest pain that is worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Unexplained weight loss
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or weak
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Infections such as bronchitis and/or pneumonia that does not go away or keeps coming back
New onset of wheezing
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