Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening looks for lung cancer before you have any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.

The lung screening exam is performed using a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. During the test, you’ll lie on a table while the CT scanner uses a small amount of radiation to create digital pictures of your lungs. The test is painless and only takes a few minutes to complete.

FAQs for lung cancer screening

Medicare and most private insurers cover lung cancer screening once per year for individuals who meet the following criteria, which expanded in February 2022:

Between the ages of 50 and 77 and are a current smoker, or quit smoking within the last 15 years
Asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer)
Have a tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year; 1 pack = 20 cigarettes)
Received a written order from a physician or qualified non-physician for lung cancer screening with LDCT

Learn more: Smoking, radon and other lung cancer risks.

Should I be screened?

Lung cancer screening is recommended if you:

Have a history of heavy smoking (smoking one pack per day for 20 years or more).
Are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.
Are between the ages of 50 and 77.

What will I pay for a lung cancer screening?

Medicare patients meeting the risk criteria ages 50 – 77 are covered with no out-of-pocket cost.
Most private insurance covers lung cancer screening for people meeting the risk criteria ages 50 –77 with no out-of-pocket costs. If you’re unsure, ask us to obtain authorization from your insurance before the screening exam.
You and your insurance company may be responsible for costs associated with additional tests and treatments after your initial screening.

Does lung cancer screening hurt?

Lung cancer screenings are quick and painless. Before your screening, your technician will have you remove any metal you’re wearing and change into a gown. You’ll lie on your back on a table, which will move through the CT scanner. During this scanning process, any motion – even breathing – could blur the image. You’ll need to hold your breath for five to 10 seconds at a time. The entire scan takes less than 10 minutes to complete. What happens after my lung cancer screening? You’ll be able to leave right after your lung cancer screening with no downtime required. There are no adverse effects reported after a screening, and you can drive yourself home.

The good news? Most patients screened do not have lung cancer. It's important for you to know that more than 75% of people screened do not have any abnormal findings. Less than 5% of screened patients are diagnosed with lung cancer.

Smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer

Smoking increases your chances of developing emphysema, heart disease and lung and other cancers. According to the American Cancer Society:

20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
Two weeks to three months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. Your risk of a heart attack begins to decrease.
One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
One year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is cut in half.
Two to five years after quitting, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is cut in half. Your stroke risk drops to that of someone who doesn't smoke.
10 years after quitting, you’re half as likely to die from lung cancer than someone who still smokes. Your risk of cancer of the pancreas and kidney decreases.
15 years after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as someone who doesn’t smoke.

Want to quit smoking or know someone who could benefit from smoking cessation? Visit our smoking cessation page for more information.