Written by Bradley Icard, DO
Medical Director of Lung Screening
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Pulmonologist with Pinehurst Medical Clinic
Written by Bradley Icard, DO
Medical Director of Lung Screening
FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Pulmonologist with Pinehurst Medical Clinic
Understanding Lung Cancer Screening
Lung screening can save lives by finding cancer early. Early detection is when it’s most treatable. Like any medical test, it has benefits and some risks. Here’s what you should know before deciding if annual lung screening is right for you.
Lung screening can save lives by finding cancer early. Early detection is when it’s most treatable. Like any medical test, it has benefits and some risks. Here’s what you should know before deciding if annual lung screening is right for you.
Lung screening can save lives by finding cancer early. Early detection is when it’s most treatable. Like any medical test, it has benefits and some risks. Here’s what you should know before deciding if annual lung screening is right for you.
1. Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening
Finds cancer early: A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can detect lung cancer at an early stage before you have symptoms.
Reduces risk of dying: Studies show that screening with LDCT can lower the chance of dying from lung cancer by up to 20%.
May catch other health issues: Sometimes, screening can also uncover other conditions such as heart or lung problems.
Annual benefit: LDCT imaging is completed on a yearly basis to ensure early intervention if an abnormality is found.
Finds cancer early: A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can detect lung cancer at an early stage before you have symptoms.
Reduces risk of dying: Studies show that screening with LDCT can lower the chance of dying from lung cancer by up to 20%.
May catch other health issues: Sometimes, screening can also uncover other conditions such as heart or lung problems.
Annual benefit: LDCT imaging is completed on a yearly basis to ensure early intervention if an abnormality is found.
Finds cancer early: A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can detect lung cancer at an early stage before you have symptoms.
Reduces risk of dying: Studies show that screening with LDCT can lower the chance of dying from lung cancer by up to 20%.
May catch other health issues: Sometimes, screening can also uncover other conditions such as heart or lung problems.
Annual benefit: LDCT imaging is completed on a yearly basis to ensure early intervention if an abnormality is found.
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2. Risks of Lung Screening
False alarms: Screening sometimes shows something that looks like cancer but isn’t. This may lead to additional recommended tests like scans or biopsies.
Overdiagnosis: Screening can find very slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm, but could still lead to treatment.
Radiation exposure: Annual LDCT uses a small amount of radiation. While the risk is low, it’s something to consider, especially if done every year.
Worry and stress: It’s natural to feel anxious if you’re told there might be a problem, even if it turns out to be nothing at all. Annual screening has been shown to cause anxiety.
False alarms: Screening sometimes shows something that looks like cancer but isn’t. This may lead to additional recommended tests like scans or biopsies.
Overdiagnosis: Screening can find very slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm, but could still lead to treatment.
Radiation exposure: Annual LDCT uses a small amount of radiation. While the risk is low, it’s something to consider, especially if done every year.
Worry and stress: It’s natural to feel anxious if you’re told there might be a problem, even if it turns out to be nothing at all. Annual screening has been shown to cause anxiety.
False alarms: Screening sometimes shows something that looks like cancer but isn’t. This may lead to additional recommended tests like scans or biopsies.
Overdiagnosis: Screening can find very slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm, but could still lead to treatment.
Radiation exposure: Annual LDCT uses a small amount of radiation. While the risk is low, it’s something to consider, especially if done every year.
Worry and stress: It’s natural to feel anxious if you’re told there might be a problem, even if it turns out to be nothing at all. Annual screening has been shown to cause anxiety.
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3. What Happens if Your Screening is Positive?
If your scan finds something abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a follow-up imaging or even a procedure. It’s important to be ready for possible follow-up testing so they can take the best next step for your lung health.
If your scan finds something abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a follow-up imaging or even a procedure. It’s important to be ready for possible follow-up testing so they can take the best next step for your lung health.
If your scan finds something abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a follow-up imaging or even a procedure. It’s important to be ready for possible follow-up testing so they can take the best next step for your lung health.
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4. Help to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your lungs and improve your overall lung health. If you smoke, your provider will connect you with free and helpful resources to support your quitting journey.
Free resources to quit or stay smoke-free
https://smokefree.gov
1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
Ask your healthcare provider about the availability of state and local resources to help quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your lungs and improve your overall lung health. If you smoke, your provider will connect you with free and helpful resources to support your quitting journey.
Free resources to quit or stay smoke-free
https://smokefree.gov
1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
Ask your healthcare provider about the availability of state and local resources to help quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your lungs and improve your overall lung health. If you smoke, your provider will connect you with free and helpful resources to support your quitting journey.
Free resources to quit or stay smoke-free
https://smokefree.gov
1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
Ask your healthcare provider about the availability of state and local resources to help quit smoking.
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Questions?
Talk to your health care provider or care team. We're here to help you make the best choice for your health.
Questions?
Talk to your health care provider or care team. We're here to help you make the best choice for your health.
Questions?
Talk to your health care provider or care team. We're here to help you make the best choice for your health.
Sign up to receive your annual screening reminder.
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Sign up to receive your annual screening reminder.
Enter your email to receive a copy of this resource and answers to frequently asked questions
Sign up to receive your annual screening reminder.
Enter your email to receive a copy of this resource and answers to frequently asked questions
Sign up to receive your annual screening reminder.
Enter your email to receive a copy of this resource and answers to frequently asked questions