The goal of screening is to detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.
In lung cancer screening, individuals who have a high risk of developing lung cancer but no signs or symptoms of the disease undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanning of the chest.
LDCT combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple, cross-sectional images or pictures of the inside of the body. LDCT produces images of sufficient quality to detect many abnormalities while using up to 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Anything that increases an individual’s chances of developing disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for lung cancer include:
tobacco smoking
exposure to radon, asbestos or other cancer-causing agents
a personal or family history of lung cancer
certain chronic lung diseases
Why should I do it ?
Lung cancer that is detected early — before spreading to other areas of the body — is more often successfully treated. Unfortunately, when lung cancer is diagnosed, occasionally the disease has already spread outside the lung.
CT is fast, which is important for patients who have trouble holding their breath.
CT scanning is painless and noninvasive.
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT exam.
LDCT scans of the chest produce images of high enough quality to detect many abnormalities while using up to 90 percent less ionizing radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.