Lung cancer screening is a process that’s used to detect the presence of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people with a high risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended for older adults who are longtime smokers and who don’t have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer. The goal of lung cancer screening is to detect lung cancer at a very early stage — when it’s more likely to be cured. By the time lung cancer signs and symptoms develop, the cancer is usually too advanced for curative treatment. Studies show lung cancer screening reduces the risk of dying of lung cancer.

Qualifications:

• Older adults who are current or former smokers. Lung cancer screening is generally offered to smokers and former smokers who are between the ages of 55 and 77
• People who have smoked heavily for many years. You may consider lung cancer screening if you have a minimum 30 pack per year history (average of one pack per day for 30 years)
• Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years.