What is screening for lung cancer?
Lung cancer screening is a way to find some lung cancers early, before a person has any symptoms of the cancer.
Lung cancer screening may help those who have the highest risk for lung cancer—people age 50 and older who are or were heavy smokers. For most people, who aren't at increased risk, screening for lung cancer probably isn't helpful.
Screening won't prevent cancer. And it may not find all lung cancers. Lung cancer screening may lower the risk of dying from lung cancer in a small number of people.
What are the benefits of lung cancer screening?
Your scan may be normal (negative).
For some people who are at higher risk, screening lowers the chance of dying of lung cancer. How much and how long you smoked helps to determine your risk level. Screening can find some cancers early, when treatment may be more likely to work.
How is lung cancer screening done?
Lung cancer screening is done with a low-dose CT (computed tomography) scan. A CT scan uses X-rays, or radiation, to make detailed pictures of your body.
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