Screening for lung cancer

Abstract

The American Cancer Society has updated its guideline for lung cancer screening in people who are at higher risk because of their history of smoking.

The test used to screen for lung cancer is a LDCT scan. During an LDCT scan, you lie on a table while a computed tomography scanner uses x-rays to make detailed images of your chest, including your lungs. The scan only takes a few minutes.

LDCT scans can help find abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancer, before they start causing any symptoms. An LDCT scan is recommended once a year for lung cancer screening.

For more information about lung cancer and screening, visit the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html).