Are there any screening tests for lung cancer?
Yes, low dose CT chest (LDCT) scan can be performed to screen lung cancer. It may help you to find out the lung cancer during early stage. It is a CT scan of chest that utilizes lower dose of contrast.
Who are the people that can get benefit from lung cancer screening?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT for people who meet following eligibility.
- If the age is between 50 and 80 years, and
- Those with a 20 pack-year or more smoking history and
- Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years.
Talk to your physician if you are eligible for low dose CT chest scan for lung cancer screening. If the lung cancer screening test is right for you, your doctor can refer you to a high-quality screening center. As also elaborated on website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to not smoke and to avoid secondhand smoke.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/screening.htm
The results of LDCT then could be discussed with your doctor if any further investigation is needed or not. The National Lung Screening Trial has reported 20% relative decrease in death from lung cancer among the High-risk participants that undergo three annual Low-dose CT screening compared to Chest X-Ray.
