When should you get a lung scan?

If you have a history of smoking, you may be a candidate for a lung cancer screening. These quick, noninvasive tests can help diagnose cancer early. Research shows that early diagnosis can increase your chances of surviving five years or more by 60%.

At Advocate Health Care, we provide convenient, timely access to the screenings you need. We aim to get you answers quickly so you have peace of mind or can start the path to lifesaving treatment right away.

What is a lung cancer screening?

A lung cancer screening is an imaging test that looks for early signs of lung cancer. Doctors use low-dose CT (LDCT) scans to detect small growths (nodules) that could indicate lung cancer.

LDCT scans are an excellent tool for detecting lung cancer in its early stages, often before you even experience symptoms. When you find lung cancer before it spreads, you have a much higher chance of curing it.

Who should be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screenings aren’t right for everybody – and you’ll need a doctor’s order to get screened. Your doctor typically only recommends them for people with a high risk of lung cancer. You are considered high risk if you:

• Are 50 to 77 years old
• Are a current smoker with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g., one pack per day for 20 years, two packs per day for 10 years, etc.)
• Are a former smoker with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who has quit within the last 15 years

Who should not be screened for lung cancer?

Doctors recommend lung cancer screening only for people who meet all of the high-risk criteria. They don’t recommend lung cancer screening for people at low or average risk. Research has shown the benefits of lung cancer screenings do not outweigh the risks for these groups.

How can I lower my risk of lung cancer if I’m not a candidate for screening?

There are still ways to lower your risk of lung cancer if you aren’t a candidate for lung cancer screening. You should:

• Avoid secondhand smoke exposure
• Never smoke or quit smoking immediately
• Wear protective equipment if you’re around hazardous materials in your workplace
• Work with a radon contractor to test for and remove any radon, an odorless gas that can lead to lung cancer, from your home

If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or learn about our online smoking cessation program. A smoking cessation program can make it easier to quit. You can also contact the American Lung Association at 800-LUNGUSA.

Learn more & schedule a lung cancer screening

Get started with a lung cancer screening by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. You’ll discuss risk factors and determine if a lung screening is right for you.

If you have questions about lung cancer screening, call us at 800-252-2990.