Is lung cancer screening part of your yearly health routine?

Mark Shapiro, M.D., Thoracic Surgical Oncologist.

Many people are accustomed to annual preventive care such as physicals, vaccines, and routine screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.

But if you have a higher risk for lung cancer, it may be time to ask whether lung cancer screening belongs on your yearly health checklist.

A Screening That Many Eligible Adults Miss

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States each year. Even so, many people who qualify for screening do not realize it is available. Others believe screening is unnecessary if they feel healthy or if they stopped smoking long ago.

The challenge is that lung cancer can develop silently in its early stages, without clear symptoms. By the time signs such as a lingering cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain show up, the disease may already be more advanced. Screening is meant to find lung cancer before symptoms begin, when treatment may be more effective.

Who Should Think About Screening?

Annual lung cancer screening is recommended for adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a smoking history equal to at least one pack a day for 20 years and who either still smoke or quit within the past 15 years.

Some former smokers are surprised to learn they may still qualify. Even after quitting, the risk can remain elevated for years.

If you are unsure whether screening makes sense for you, the best place to start is with your primary care clinician.

What Happens During Screening?

Lung cancer screening is done with a low-dose computed tomography, or CT, scan. It is a fast, noninvasive test that produces detailed images of the lungs. The scan takes only a few minutes and does not require injections. Afterward, a specialized team reviews the images to decide whether any follow-up is needed.

Adding Lung Health to Your Checklist

Many adults carefully keep track of preventive screenings that help protect long-term health. For those who meet the guidelines, lung cancer screening deserves the same attention.

As you review your healthcare checklist each year, consider whether lung health should be part of the discussion. A brief conversation with your primary care clinician about your risk factors can help make sure you receive the screenings that are right for you.

If you have a history of smoking and would like to know whether you qualify for lung cancer screening, call 201-634-5662 to speak with the team at Valley’s Lung Cancer Center. You can also learn more about eligibility requirements at ValleyHealth.com/LungCancerScreening.