Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women, each year causing more deaths than colorectal, breast and prostate cancers combined.

Only a doctor can tell whether a patient's symptoms are caused by cancer or by another problem. Consult with your primary care physician for a diagnosis.

For individuals who are at highest risk for developing lung cancer, lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been clinically proven to reduce lung cancer mortality.

What is CT Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening uses LDCT (i.e., a CT scan with a low dose of radiation) to find lung nodules, some of which may be cancer. LDCT lung screening is quick, easy and results in a minimal amount of radiation exposure.

Who is Eligible for Screening?

Lung cancer screening is not appropriate for everyone and is currently offered only to individuals who meet the established high-risk criteria.

Patients who qualify for screening:

• Are between 55 and 77 years old (up to 80 years old per USPSTF).
• Asymptomatic for lung cancer.
• Have smoked within the last 15 years.
• Have smoked 30 pack-years* or more.

*A pack-year is used to describe how many cigarettes a patient has smoked in their lifetime. One pack year = smoking one pack per day for one year. 1 pack = 20 cigarettes.

Patients who meet the criteria should see their physician to discuss the benefits and risks of screening before scheduling an appointment.

Straub Radiology is now an active participant in the ACR Lung Cancer Screening Registry (LCSR).