What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a lung cancer screening is when you receive a preventative medical scan of your lungs to check for signs of lung cancer.

What Is a Preventative Scan?

A preventative scan is a health scan to check for early signs of diseases when they are the most treatable. For example, a preventative health scan of the lungs would be a CT scan of the lungs to check for early signs of lung cancer when symptoms are not present.

What Are the Types of Tests Used for Lung Cancer Screening?

According to the National Cancer Institute, three different lung cancer screening tests have been studied: Low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) Chest X-ray Sputum cytology The results of the studies showed that only low-dose CT scans reduced the chance of dying from lung cancer.

At What Age Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, the recommended age for a lung cancer screening is between 45 and 80 years old. Those 45 and older should begin getting an annual lung cancer scan to check for early signs of lung cancer if they meet both of the following criteria: If you’re currently a smoker or have smoked in the past Have a 20-pack-year smoking history

What Are the Benefits of Getting Screened Early for Lung Cancer?

Getting a lung scan to receive the benefits of lung cancer screening include: A non-invasive way to evaluate your lung health If you’re at risk, an initial scan gives your doctor something to compare future scans to You may catch lung cancer when it’s the most treatable

Why Is Early Detection of Lung Cancer Important?

According to the Mayo Clinic, by the time lung cancer starts displaying symptoms, it’s usually too late for curative treatments. This is why the importance of early lung cancer detection with CT scans cannot be understated. For those in good health but at risk for lung cancer, finding lung cancer in its earlier stages provides better outcomes.

What Symptoms Might Indicate a Need for Immediate Lung Cancer Testing?

According to the American Cancer Society, the majority of lung cancer symptoms are more likely to not be lung cancer. However, it is always best to discuss lung cancer testing with your doctor if you’re experiencing the following symptoms: A persistent cough that isn’t going away Blood or rust-colored fluid comes up when you cough Pain in the chest that is exacerbated by coughing, laughing, or taking a deep breath A raspy voice Fatigue and weakness Repeated infections in your lungs Sudden unexplained wheezing Decrease in appetite Weight loss

What Are the Risk Factors That Indicate a Need for Early Screening?

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should discuss early lung cancer screenings with your doctor if you have one or more of the following risk factors: You’re 45 or older and currently smoke You were a smoker with a 20-year-pack history (even if you have since quit) If you’ve ever been treated for lung cancer If you have other serious risk factors, such as a family history of lung cancer or a lung condition, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) If you have been exposed to cancer-causing substances, such as asbestos, high levels of radon, etc.

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