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Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about 1 in 5 cancer-related fatalities. This is more than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

 

For lung cancer in particular, early detection through screenings is crucial for improving outcomes. A study by the National Cancer Institute found that screenings, particularly low-dose CT scans, can reduce lung cancer deaths among smokers by 15% to 20%.

Man lighting cigarette

When to Screen for Lung Cancer

When lung cancer is found at an early stage, when it is small and before it has spread, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Talk to your doctor about getting screened if you:

  • Are age 50 or older
  • Are a current smoker OR a former smoker who quit less than 15 years ago
  • Are in good health with at least a 20-pack year smoking history (one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking is the biggest lung cancer risk factor. But it is possible for nonsmokers to develop lung cancer.

Other risk factors include:

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Radon
  • Asbestos
  • Arsenic
  • Coal products
  • Air pollution
  • Radiation therapy
  • Family history
Lung cancer screening x-ray

Types of Lung Cancer Screening

Your provider will discuss whether a lung cancer screening is right for you. The two primary lung cancer screening options are:

  • Low-dose CT scan – This is number one recommended option for lung cancer screening. This test is used to screen for lung cancer before symptoms begin, when treatment is more effective. It’s the only proven test to screen for early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.
  • FirstLook™ Lung screening – This additional option is a routine blood test that helps your doctor decide if you need to be screened for lung cancer using a low-dose computed tomography test (low-dose CT scan). If the result is positive, a low-dose CT scan will be recommended.

What to Expect During Your Lung Cancer Screening

Your provider can walk you through what to expect during your lung cancer screening and make you feel more comfortable with the process.

What to Expect During a FirstLook™ Lung Cancer Screening

Based on your health history and risk, your provider may recommend the FirstLook™ Lung cancer screening, which involves a simple one-minute blood draw, often done with other routine tests.

The blood sample is sent to a lab, and results are typically available in 10-14 days. The test result will either show an “elevated” or “not elevated” result.

If you get an elevated result, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it does mean lung cancer is a possibility. Your provider will order a low-dose CT screen. If an abnormality is found during the low-dose CT screen, a biopsy may be performed to determine whether it is cancerous.

What to Expect During a Low-Dose CT Scan

A low-dose CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes multiple pictures as you lie on a table that slides in and out of the machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed picture of your lungs.

Your health care provider will review your results and notify you of the results and next steps, which could include:

  • No abnormalities – If nothing abnormal is found, your doctor will likely recommend annual scans until they deem it no longer necessary, either due to age or other developing health problems.
  • Nodules - If a larger or suspicious nodule is found, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan or biopsy may be recommended.
  • Other lung or heart problems – In addition to nodules, your CT scan may also find other lung or heart problems common in people who have smoked for a long time. These include emphysema, hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Your doctor will discuss these results with you to determine the next steps.

Your nurse will discuss these results, the provider’s recommendation and answer and questions or concerns.

What to Expect During a Lung Biopsy

If testing indicates possible cancer, your provider may perform a biopsy to confirm the presence and type of cancer by removing a tissue sample from the nodule for testing.

There are a few different ways a lung biopsy might be done, including:

  • Needle biopsy – A needle is inserted into the lung to extract a small sample of tissue.
  • Bronchial or transbronchial biopsy – A thin tube with a camera at the end is inserted into the mouth and guided down the throat to the lungs to obtain the tissue.
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) – A flexible tube with a camera and ultrasound technology is inserted into the windpipe to obtain images, tissue and fluid from the lungs.

 

Talk to Your Doctor About Screening

Making an appointment with your primary care provider is the first step to getting a lung cancer screening. They’ll go over your risk factors and screening options and guide you in the next steps. If you’re interested in a low-dose CT or a Lung cancer screening, call 1-844-OSF-4-HOPE (1-844-673-4467) to schedule an appointment with a participating provider.

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