Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for developing lung cancer. It is important to note screening is for individuals who do not have any symptoms yet. Individuals who have a history of lung cancer or who have symptoms (such as coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss) are not considered screening and should have a full evaluation by their physician to determine the cause of their symptoms. 

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2021 guideline recommends annual low dose CT (LDCT) scan screening for lung cancer in individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age: 50-80 years old
• Smoking history: Have a history of smoking at least 20 pack-years (one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years, two packs per day for ten years, etc.).
• Current smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years.

There are benefits of early detection: when lung cancer is detected in its early stages, it is more likely to be treatable and curable. The five-year survival rate for individuals with early-stage lung cancer is approximately 56%, compared to only 5% for those with advanced-stage disease.

LDCT scans for lung cancer screening use a low radiation dose to minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure, typically around 1.5 millisieverts (mSv) per exam. This is lower than the dose from a standard chest CT scan (7 mSv) or a diagnostic chest x-ray (0.1 mSv).

To put this into perspective, the average person is exposed to about 3 mSv of natural background radiation per year from cosmic radiation and radon gas.

Talk to your physician if you have additional questions or concerns.