Screening for Lung Cancer

What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening involves evaluating patients who do not currently have symptoms but may be at increased risk for developing lung cancer.

The goal is to:

• Detect lung cancer early
• Identify suspicious lung nodules
• Begin treatment before cancer becomes advanced

Screening focuses on prevention and early diagnosis rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Who May Qualify for Lung Cancer Screening?

Patients considered high risk may qualify for screening based on factors such as:

• Smoking history
• Former tobacco use
• Significant secondhand smoke exposure
• Asbestos exposure
• Family history of lung cancer

Eligibility guidelines may vary depending on:

• Age
• Smoking pack-year history
• Current or former smoking status

A healthcare provider can help determine whether screening is appropriate.

What Type of Test Is Used?

The approved screening test for lung cancer is a:

Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT)

This specialized CT scan:

• Uses lower radiation exposure
• Produces detailed images of the lungs
• Helps detect nodules or abnormal masses early

Low-dose CT screening is non-invasive and does not typically require contrast dye.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms until it becomes more advanced.

When found early:

• More treatment options may be available
• Surgery may be possible
• Outcomes may improve significantly

Some early-stage lung cancers are discovered during screening before patients feel sick.

Can Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer?

Yes. Although smoking is the leading risk factor, some non-smokers may still develop lung cancer.

Researchers continue studying screening approaches for:

• Patients with strong family history
• Significant secondhand smoke exposure
• Possible genetic predisposition

What Symptoms Should Be Evaluated?

Even with screening programs, patients should seek medical evaluation for symptoms such as:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing fatigue

Symptoms should not be ignored, especially in higher-risk individuals.

About Dr. Michaela Straznicka

Dr. Michaela Straznicka is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at BASS Medical Group specializing in lung cancer evaluation, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and thoracic oncology care.

Video Transcript

Screening for a disease means evaluating patients who are completely asymptomatic and actively looking for disease before symptoms develop.

Common screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and colonoscopies for colon cancer.

Currently, lung cancer screening is reserved for patients who are considered high risk.

This includes individuals with an extensive smoking history, asbestos exposure, significant secondhand smoke exposure, or a family history of lung cancer.

The only approved screening test for lung cancer is a CT scan of the chest.

The purpose of a low-dose CT scan is to minimize radiation exposure while still obtaining high-quality images that help detect nodules or masses in the lung.

There are also ongoing clinical trials exploring lung cancer screening for non-smokers, particularly those with a genetic predisposition or significant secondhand smoke exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low-dose CT scan?

A low-dose CT scan is a specialized imaging test that uses less radiation to screen for lung cancer.

Who should get screened for lung cancer?

Screening is generally recommended for certain high-risk individuals based on age and smoking history.

Can lung cancer be found before symptoms appear?

Yes. Lung cancer screening is designed to detect cancer early, often before symptoms develop.

Do non-smokers ever get lung cancer?

Yes. Some patients without smoking history may still develop lung cancer due to other risk factors.