Lung cancer screening

Our Lung Cancer Screening Program provides state-of-the-art care recognized by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Our earned ACR designation means you can trust us to provide high-quality imaging that prioritizes your safety and long-term health. We connect you with leading cancer prevention, detection and treatment options.

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening is an imaging test your provider uses to find lung cancer early. It can find cancer before you have any symptoms.

Low-dose CT scan

The test uses a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan to take detailed pictures of your lungs. The scan involves taking a series of X-rays to create 3D images. It uses up to 90% less radiation than a traditional CT scan.

The scan can show healthy lung tissue and signs of disease. Imaging experts check for abnormalities, such as small growths (nodules) or fluid around the lungs.

Lung cancer screening uses and benefits

Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the United States. Screening reduces the risk of dying from lung cancer because it catches cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until advanced stages, when it has already spread to other body parts. Once it spreads, it becomes harder to treat and cure. Early detection helps you receive the most effective treatment right away.

Who needs lung cancer screening?

People who face a high risk of lung cancer should have a lung cancer screening each year. Your provider can help you understand your risk and whether you’re eligible for screening.

Your risk depends on your age and smoking history. You may need lung screening if you:

• Are 50 to 80 years old
• Have smoked cigarettes in the past 15 years
• Have a 20 pack-year history, meaning you have smoked:
  • One pack of cigarettes per day for at least 20 years
  • Two packs of cigarettes per day for at least 10 years
  • Half a pack of cigarettes per day for at least 40 years

What to expect with lung cancer screening

You’ll meet with a provider to review your smoking history. They’ll review the risks and benefits of LDCT scans. They’ll also share tools to help you stop smoking if you’re ready to quit.

During an LDCT scan

An LDCT is a painless test that takes about five minutes. You’ll lie down on a table in the imaging room.

The table slides in and out of the CT machine, which is a large, circular ring with a hole in the middle (like a donut). The machine takes X-ray images from multiple angles to create pictures of your lungs.

After lung cancer screening

You’ll receive your test results within a few days. Your provider will discuss any abnormal findings with you and recommend next steps as needed.

If you have a lung nodule, you may need to schedule follow-up testing. Nodules can be cancerous or develop into cancer over time. Fortunately, more than 90% of lung nodules are noncancerous.

Lung cancer screening risks and side effects

LDCT scans are a noninvasive, painless imaging test. However, they do expose you to a very small amount of radiation.

Repeated radiation exposure can increase your risk for cancer. Your provider can help you understand the risks versus the benefits of lung cancer screening based on your health history.

Need help to quit smoking?

Talk with your provider if you’re still smoking and ready to quit. They can help you create a plan for quitting and figure out your smoking triggers. They can also prescribe medication to help reduce your urge to smoke.