The Low Dose CT (LDCT) is the only test proven to safely screen for lung cancer. With no special preparation needed, the LDCT scanner takes pictures of your lungs and is complete in minutes. A radiologist reviews the images and makes recommendations for annual screening or further testing. Although the test is meant to find lung nodules, it may also find signs of lung disease, cysts, aneurysms, lesions on other organs, scar tissue or benign tumors. You will be notified with results in 5-7 days.
Who should be screened?
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Age 55 - 77
- Current cigarette smoker or quit within the last 15 years
- No current lung cancer symptoms
- No personal history of lung cancer
- Have at least a 30 pack per year
(pack year = pack per day x years smoked)
Factors that increase risk of lung cancer:
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Smoking cigarettes
- Exposure to radon levels above 4 pCi/L
- Family history of cancer
- Increasing age
- Exposure to heavy metals, radiation, second hand smoke or pollution
- Lung disease
Lung cancer signs and symptoms:
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Cough: persistent, painful or bloody
- Shortness of breath or noisy breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive fatigue
- Recurrent lung infections