Read Time: 3 minutes
Takeaways:
- Lung cancer screening can detect cancer early, when it鈥檚 most treatable.
Impact: Huntsman Cancer Institute is helping more people benefit from early lung cancer detection, especially those at higher risk.
Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening is a powerful took that helps doctors find cancer early, often before symptoms appear. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Treating lung cancer at an earlier stage gives patients more treatment options and those treatments often have better outcomes.
Understanding Who is at Higher Risk for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screenings are especially important for those ar higher risk for lung cancer. This includes individuals who:
- Currently smoke, or have smoked tobacco in the last 15 years.
- Have a family history of lung cancer.
- Have been exposed to asbestos or radon at home or at work.
- Have been exposed to air pollution or in the air for extended periods of time.
- Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Have had radiation therapy to the chest.
When to Get Screened for Lung Cancer
Annual screening is a good option for people who:
- Are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have a history of heavy smoking (For example, an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.)
- Are 50 years old or older
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should someone get screened?
Huntsman Cancer Institute and 麻豆学生精品版 recommend you get lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scan) every year if you:
- Are 50 years old or older
- Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years
- Have a history of heavy smoking (for example, an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years)
Talk to your doctor about the risk and benefits of lung cancer screening.
What if I use e-cigarettes or have vaped in the past? Should I get screened?
While the long-term effects of e-cigarettes (vaping) on lung cancer risk are still being studied, e-cigarettes contain chemicals that may damage the lungs. If you vape or have used e-cigarettes in the past, it鈥檚 important to discuss your lung health with your doctor. Your doctor can help assess your overall risk and suggest other preventive steps or tests that may be appropriate for you.
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If people are at high risk for lung cancer but they don't qualify for lung cancer screening, what can they do?
If you meet one or more of the other high-risk categories and are concerned about lung cancer, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can help come up with a good plan for you.
If I have been exposed to high levels of radon, what action should I take for me and my family?
If you have high levels of radon in your home, there are systems you can install that help get rid of radon. Visit the for more information. Also talk to your doctor about your exposure to determine if there are steps you and your family need to take for your health.
What is a low-dose CT scan?
A is similar to a regular CT (computerized tomography) scan that takes pictures inside your body of organs, blood vessels, and bones, but uses much less radiation. It is highly effective in finding small growths鈥攁lso known as lesions鈥攖hat may be early signs of cancer.
How does a low-dose CT scan work?
Getting a low-dose CT scan is quick and painless. During the scan, the patient lies still on a table that moves through a machine shaped like a donut. The scan only takes a few minutes, and the patient can go right back to their day afterward. It鈥檚 a small investment of time that can lead to lifesaving results.
What questions should I ask my doctor about lung cancer screening?
These questions can help you decide if getting an early lung cancer screening is right for you:
- What are the benefits and risks of being screened?
- If you find anything, what are the next steps?
- Are there options other than a lung cancer screening we can consider?
- What is the screening process like?
- Can I change my mind at any point if I don鈥檛 feel comfortable with being screened?
Take Action
If you have questions or want to learn more about lung cancer screening, reach out to the Cancer Learning Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute:
- Call: 1-888-424-2100
- Email: cancerinfo@hci.utah.edu
- Text: 801-528-1112
You can take actions to lower your risk or chances of getting cancer. These actions are called cancer prevention. Making healthy lifestyle choices can prevent about half of all cancers.
Huntsman Cancer Institute and 麻豆学生精品版 are committed to helping those who have low incomes and limited or no insurance coverage gain access to timely screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers.