UPDATED September 27, 2022
Based on the NLST results and other studies, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Lung Association, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society and the American Cancer Society all recommend that individuals at high risk for developing lung cancer consider annual screening with LDCT.
It is recommends yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) for certain people at higher risk for lung cancer who meet the following conditions:
- Are aged 50 to 80 years and in fairly good health
and
- Currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 15 years
and
- Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. (This is the number of packs of cigarettes per day multiplied by the number of years smoked. For example, someone who smoked 2 packs a day for 10 years [2 x 10 = 20] has 20 pack-years of smoking, as does a person who smoked 1 pack a day for 20 years [1 x 20 = 20].)
In addition, it’s important that people who are going to be screened:
- Receive counseling to quit smoking if they currently smoke, and
- Have been told by their doctor about the possible benefits, limits, and harms of screening with LDCT scans, and
- Can go to a center that has experience in lung cancer screening and treatment.
You should also talk with your insurance provider about your coverage.
