Information: Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening means checking the lungs for early signs of cancer before you have symptoms. It is done with a special kind of low-dose CT scan that takes detailed pictures of your lungs.
The test is quick, painless, and does not use high levels of radiation. You lie on a table, that slides through a large donut-shaped machine that takes detailed pictures of your lungs using low-dose X-rays. The images help doctors find small spots or changes in the lungs early—when treatment works best.
What happens during the scan?
- You will lie still on a table while it slides into the scanner.
- You may be asked to hold your breath briefly to get a clear picture.
- The scan itself takes a minute, though the whole appointment might be about half an hour.
- You will be in a separate room where a technician can see and talk to you.
Lung cancer screening is recommended for people at higher risk, such as adults who currently smoke or used to smoke heavily. Your healthcare provider can tell you if screening is right for you.
Why is it important?
- Early detection: Lung cancer is much easier to treat when it is found early.
- Higher survival rates: Finding cancer early can significantly increase your chance of surviving compared to waiting for symptoms to appear.
The information is adapted from National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2026). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Lung Cancer Screning and Diagnosis (Version 1.2026). Available at https://www.nccn.org/ text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 19 Nov 2025 and from OpenAI on 11/19/2025 using “lung cancer screening in plain language”
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