Do You Need a Lung Cancer Screening?

A painless, low-dose CT lung cancer screening can give you peace of mind

Annual lung cancer screenings can detect cancer early, before symptoms are obvious and when the condition is easier to treat. Geisinger thoracic surgeon Matthew Facktor, MD, shares more about quick, painless lung CT scans.

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screenings are noninvasive tests that take a detailed digital image of your lungs.

“This low-dose CT scan uses about 75% less radiation than a traditional CT scan and only takes a few minutes. You can go back to your regular activities right away,” explains Dr. Facktor.

Am I eligible for lung cancer screening?

You're a good candidate for a yearly lung cancer screening if you:

Are between ages 50 and 80
Have a 20-pack-year history of smoking
Have smoked at some point in the last 15 years

If any of these describe you, you may be eligible for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening.

You can also take a quiz to see if you should get a lung CT scan.

Is it covered by insurance?

If your provider determines you're eligible, a screening may be covered by your health insurance at no cost to you — but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance first. And if you don’t have insurance, ask your healthcare provider for more information.

“Think of a lung cancer screening the way you would any other preventive exam,” says Dr. Facktor. “If you’re eligible, your provider can help you schedule a screening.”

What happens after a lung cancer screening?

After your scan, the results will be sent to your doctor. They’ll review the findings with you and answer any questions. If you need further testing, they will discuss any next steps.

“Your doctor will create a plan built around your particular needs,” Dr. Facktor says.

Early signs and symptoms

Early signs can be subtle, but common symptoms include:

Persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
Chronic dry or hacking cough
Hoarseness
Repeated chest infections that seem harder to clear
Change in a long-standing smoker’s cough
Coughing up small amounts of blood
Unexplained weight loss
Chest discomfort or pain with deep breaths or coughing
New wheezing
Mild but ongoing fatigue
Dull aches in the shoulder or back when you haven't had activity

How do early lung cancer signs differ from symptoms of a chest infection?

Chest infections often come with fever, chills and thick mucus and improve within days or a few weeks with rest or antibiotics. Early lung cancer signs are more persistent, often lack fever, may involve a cough that doesn’t go away and can include streaks of blood in sputum or unexplained weight loss. If symptoms linger beyond 3 weeks or keep returning, a lung cancer screening conversation is wise.

Can breathlessness be an early warning sign of lung cancer?

New or worsening shortness of breath without an obvious cause, especially with light activity, can be an early sign. Breathlessness that doesn’t improve over time should prompt a visit with your provider.

Quit smoking to lower your risk of lung cancer

Quitting smoking is an excellent way to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.

“While smoking isn’t the only factor that increases lung cancer risk, it’s certainly a big risk factor,” says Dr. Facktor.

Although the idea of quitting may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Start by talking to your healthcare provider. They’ll work with you to develop a plan and help you find resources to be successful.

Remember, you may have a few stops and starts along the way — and that’s fine. The important part is to keep going.

“If you’ve tried to quit in the past, it’s never too late to try again,” Dr. Facktor says.