If you aren’t sure if a lung cancer screening is appropriate for you, browse this Q&A with details about the advantages of gaining this health intel.
What is the benefit of screening for lung cancer?
For people who are at higher risk, screening lowers the chance of dying of lung cancer. How much and how long you smoked factors into determining your risk level. Screening can find some cancers early, when treatment may be more likely to work.
Who should get screened?
Lung cancer screening is recommended for people age 50 and older who are or were heavy smokers. That means people who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years. A pack year is a way to measure how much you have smoked. To calculate your pack year, multiply the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years you smoked.
If you aren’t sure, or believe you should get scanned, discuss your wishes with your provider.
How is lung cancer screening done?
Lung cancer screening is done with a low-dose CT scan. A CT scan uses X-rays or radiation to make detailed pictures of your body.
What happens after lung cancer screening?
After a lung cancer screening, you can go back to your usual activities right away.
The results of your CT scan will be sent to your doctor. Someone from your care team will explain the results of your scan and answer any questions you may have. If you need any follow-up, this person will help you understand what to do next.
It’s important to note, a lung cancer screening can't tell if you have lung cancer. If your results are positive, your doctor can't tell whether an abnormal finding is a harmless nodule, cancer or something else without doing more tests.
Ready for a screening?
Discuss with your provider if you are interested in this screening or have more questions. If you need help establishing care with a family medicine or primary care provider, our Access Center can help by calling 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632 for assistance. You can also click here to learn more about our primary care providers who are accepting new patients.
Learn more about routine cancer screenings and how to book a lung cancer screening on ShowUpForThem.com.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
