Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but early detection through low-dose CT (LDCT) screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20%. Despite this, fewer than 6% of eligible Americans are getting screened. Understanding who qualifies and what the process involves can help close that gap.
Who Should Be Screened?
Current guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend annual LDCT screening for adults who meet all of the following criteria:
- check_circleAge 50-80 years
- check_circle20 pack-year smoking history (for example, 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years)
- check_circleCurrently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
If you're unsure whether you qualify, we can help calculate your pack-year history and assess your individual risk during a consultation.
What to Expect
A low-dose CT scan is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The scan takes about 30 seconds of breath-holding and uses significantly less radiation than a standard CT scan. No contrast dye or IV is needed. Results are typically available within a few days.
Understanding the Results
Most screening results are normal or show benign findings like small, stable nodules. If something concerning is found, we follow established protocols (Lung-RADS) to determine the next steps — which may range from a short-interval follow-up scan to further evaluation.
It's important to know that the majority of findings on screening CTs are not cancer. Our job is to provide clear guidance on what each finding means and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Shared Decision-Making
Before starting screening, guidelines recommend a shared decision-making conversation between the patient and their physician. This conversation covers the potential benefits (early cancer detection), potential harms (false positives, radiation exposure, anxiety), and the patient's personal values and preferences.
At Pulmonary & Sleep Experts, we take this conversation seriously. We walk through the evidence, answer your questions, and ensure you feel informed and comfortable with the decision to screen or not.
The Bottom Line
If you have a significant smoking history — even if you quit years ago — lung cancer screening could save your life. It's a simple, low-risk test that catches cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Talk to us about whether screening is right for you.
Written by Dr. Amin Pasha, MD, FCCP
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please schedule a consultation with our team.