Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines: Who Should Get One and When?
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – but early detection through screening can save lives. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Joseph Levine, MD, Oncologist/Hematologist and Medical Director of the North Memorial Health Cancer Center, discusses the guidelines for who should be getting screened with a low-dose CT scan and the how our lung nodule program supports patients through every step of their screening journey.
Who qualifies for a low-dose CT scan?
According to the American Cancer Society, individuals with both these factors should be completing an annual screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan:
- People aged 50 to 80
- Have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking
- A pack-year is equal to smoking 1 pack per day for a year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years, or by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years.
According to the American Lung Association, fewer than 1 in 5 eligible Americans are getting screened. If you are a candidate for lung cancer screening, speak with your primary care doctor about scheduling a low-dose CT scan.