Why lung cancer screening matters

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but early detection saves lives. Screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) can find cancer before symptoms appear, improving treatment outcomes.

Who should consider screening?

You may be eligible if you: 

  • Are 50–80 years old
  • Have a 20+ pack-year smoking history
  • Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years

Talk to your health care provider to see if screening is right for you.

Benefits and risks of screening

Benefits:

  • Detect cancer early
  • Reduce mortality by up to 20%
  • Higher successful treatment outcomes

Risks:

  • False positives/Additional testing: Low- Dose Lung CT may find abnormalities that may require additional tests or procedures
  • False Negative: No test is perfect. It is possible that you may have a medical condition, including lung cancer, that is not found during your exam. This is called a false negative.
  • Radiation exposure: Low-dose CT lung screening uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your lungs

Low Dose CT Scans (LDCT) is one of the most effective cancer screening tests. One life is saved for every 320 people who are screened.

Talk to your primary care provider

We encourage patients to engage in shared decision making with their primary care providers. This means discussing:

  • Your personal risk
  • The pros and cons of screening
  • Your values and preferences

Support for quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer.

We offer:

  • Referrals to quitlines (e.g., 1-800-QUIT-NOW)
  • Counseling and support resources

Learn more 

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Additional questions?

Natasha Bickmore, RN, BSN, OCN
Nurse Navigator
Pulmonary Nodule Clinic RN
541-706-5802