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Screening for Lung Cancer

Authors:
  • Debra Wood, RN
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Screening for Lung Cancer

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening tests results may come back as normal when lung cancer is actually present, but undetected. This is called a false-negative. Results can also show a lung lesion that is not cancerous such as a nodule. This is called a false-positive.

Finally, some cancers may never cause problems. Screening can find these cancers and lead to treatment that is not needed. It is important to talk to the doctor about risks and benefits of screening for you.

Screening Guidelines

Most professional guidelines recommend that you and your doctor discuss the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening if all of the following are true:

  • Smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • 50-80 years old
  • At least 20 pack-year smoking history: 1 pack of cigarettes per day for a year is 1 pack-year. Examples of 20 pack-year smoking history are:
    • 1 pack per day for 20 years
    • 2 packs per day for 10 years

Screening is done with a low-dose CT scan . A CT scan is a series of x-rays put together by a computer to create images of the lungs.

Screening Concerns

A CT scan is considered safe. However, radiation from frequent scans may increase the risk of cancer.

Screening Guidelines

Most professional guidelines recommend that you and your doctor discuss the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening if all of the following are true:

  • Smoker or quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • 50-80 years old
  • At least 20 pack-year smoking history: 1 pack of cigarettes per day for a year is 1 pack-year. Examples of 20 pack-year smoking history are:
    • 1 pack per day for 20 years
    • 2 packs per day for 10 years

Screening is done with a low-dose CT scan . A CT scan is a series of x-rays put together by a computer to create images of the lungs.

Screening Concerns

A CT scan is considered safe. However, radiation from frequent scans may increase the risk of cancer.

References

  • Can lung cancer be found early? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/early-detection.html.
  • Lung cancer screening. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-screening-pdq.
  • Lung cancer screening. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T901808/Lung-cancer-screening .
  • What do I need to know about lung cancer screening? American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-screening.
  • Manser R, Lethaby A, Irving LB,et al. Screening for lung cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(6):CD001991.

Contributors

  • EBSCO Medical Review Board
Last Updated:
2022-06-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.