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Lung screening is recommended for people who are at risk for lung cancer. If you currently smoke, or smoked in the past, you are at risk and would benefit from lung screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cigarette smoking is linked to about 90% of all lung cancer deaths in the United States. If lung cancer is detected at an early stage, it's more likely to be cured with treatment.
What is lung cancer screening and is it right for me?
Lung cancer screening uses a computed tomography scan, also called a CT, to find cancer early, even when there are no symptoms. You lie on a cushioned table inside the scanner that looks like a large ring. The table is raised and slowly moves through scanner to make detailed pictures of your lungs. A technologist monitors you during the scan and most people have little or no discomfort during the scan.
If you answer yes to either of the following questions, the lung screening program may be right for you.
- Are you between the ages of 55 and 80, and do you smoke, or did you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 or more years?
OR
- Are you between the ages of 50 and 80, and do you smoke, or did you smoke a pack a day for 20 or more years AND have at least one of the following?
- A father, mother, sister, or brother with history of lung cancer.
- Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or if you were exposed to asbestos.
- Lung cancer that was cured more than 5 years ago.
You should discuss the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening with your health care provider. If you choose to participate, you will have lung screening every year. Your health care team will talk with you how the program works and about possible findings. After each screening your health care team will follow up with the results.
Help to quit smoking
Stopping smoking has a much greater chance of saving your life from lung cancer than CT screening alone. For smokers who have struggled to quit, Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center offers caring and non-judgmental support to help you develop the skills needed to stop using tobacco.
Insurance coverage and lung screening
Medicare covers the cost of lung screening for people who:
- Are between 65 and 77 years old.
- Currently smoke or have quit within 15 years.
- Have smoked at least a pack a day for 30 years or more.
If you are at high risk for lung cancer but don’t meet these guidelines, CT lung screening may not be covered by your health insurance. Talk to y our health insurance company before your screening appointment to find out what will be covered.
For additional information about lung cancer and lung cancer screening:
Dr. Aaron Mansfield, Medical Oncologist at Mayo Clinic, explains who should be screened for lung cancer, on the Mayo Clinic Q & A Podcast (video 27:41), July 2021.
Mayo Clinic: Lung Cancer Screening
Have you been screened for lung cancer or participated in a lung cancer screening trial? What has been your experience with lung cancer screening? Feel free to share your experiences here.
Find support from people like you on the Mayo Clinic Connect:
Smoking and Quitting Support Group or Lung Cancer Support Group
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I have a issue that would help me I do not think I have the CCC problem but I have a lung disease that I have been told that my 2 lunds have a crust material on the outside and I am on oxygen and what is it and what can I do with it I had a heart attack in August this year.
Thanking you for your time. Robert
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2 ReactionsMy 81 year old husband has had lung cancer for twelve years. During his last CT scan, he noticed that the medication they give him internally felt different than it had in the past. Plus, they stopped the scan short of what it usually took. Since then, my husband has experienced memory problems. He's never had any memory problem before with any treatment even chemotherapy. He see's his doctor in a few weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how this memory issue should be handled? Could it be the same thing as the "Brain Fog" that I've read about on here with cancer treatments? Your advice and prayers are greatly appreciated!
PML
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3 ReactionsI was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis.I am 94years old and have recently be referred to a lung specialist.Ct scan shows my lung problem .Will have more blood work done, lung capacity test and another ct scan six months after the first one to company both.So far the nebulizer with medication daily seems to keep my coughing in control.Any one else with my symptoms? Like to hear.Chelly
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4 ReactionsHey there !
I would recommend that he see a neurologist for proper screening & evaluation . Given his age and medical history best to rule out any serious issue.
I wish you well. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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4 ReactionsHi Kensie!
Thanks for the suggestion! I will mention it to the doctor when we see him on the 23rd. Also thanks for your prayers! We can never have too many of those.
PML
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3 ReactionsI never smoked and was diagnosed stage IV nsc lung cancer September, 2022. Am 70 years old. I am disappointed my pcp ignored my cough for the past few years and didn’t investigate. A different pcp was concerned about my 3 month long pneumonia diagnosis and sent me for further screening. Why isn’t there more screening or awareness for non smokers?
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5 ReactionsAgreed! Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer, yet as a never smoker I would never have been screened. I can get a mammogram or colonoscopy without even contacting my doctor. Why aren’t we screening everyone for lung cancer?
I was diagnosed at 49 years old, stage IV, March 2020. Terminal. Earlier diagnosis may have allowed for a cure. There are more and more stories like ours everyday.
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6 ReactionsI was lucky. I have been having CT scans for a thoracic aneurysm for three years. A lung nodule was detected and also watched. As soon as it turned cancerous, I had a biopsy and sure enough it was adenocarcinoma I had surgery at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix…stage 1A.
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4 ReactionsI am sorry you got this diagnosis. I certainly have empathy for what you are going through. I am on a standard therapy now. a clinical drug trial did not work for me. Hopefully your doctors find help and maintenance for you. Hugs
Thanks!, I’m doing well.
Anyone that is fortunate enough to qualify for screening should take advantage of it!