Lung Cancer Screening FAQ

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual low-dose CT screening for adults ages 50–80 who have at least a 20 pack-year cigarette-smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. One pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years. The American Cancer Society (ACS) also recommends yearly screening for adults ages 50–80 with at least 20 pack-years, but does not use years since quitting as a cutoff. A healthcare professional can help you decide whether screening is appropriate. You can also take ALCSI’s eligibility survey.

You lie on a table that moves through a ring-shaped scanner. The scanner takes detailed images of your lungs while you hold still and briefly hold your breath. ALCSI describes the scan as quick and painless, usually taking only a few minutes. Your imaging center can explain what to expect at your appointment.

Many plans cover screening for people who meet their criteria, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and where you receive care. Medicare covers annual low-dose CT for eligible beneficiaries ages 50–77 and has additional requirements, including an order from a healthcare professional. Follow-up tests may have separate costs. ALCSI recommends calling your insurer to ask about your coverage before the scan. Read Medicare’s coverage details.

ALCSI advises wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding metal items such as jewelry. You generally do not need to fast for a screening CT scan. Tell your care team if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, or if you have had lung surgery or another lung condition. Follow your imaging center’s instructions and allow time for check-in and questions.

The USPSTF and ACS recommend annual low-dose CT screening for people who meet their respective criteria. A finding on your scan may call for a different follow-up schedule. Whether to continue screening also depends on your health and whether you would be able and willing to have further testing and treatment if needed. Ask your clinician which guideline applies to you.

A scan can show something that looks concerning but is not cancer. That can lead to more scans or procedures. Repeated scans also involve radiation, and screening may find a cancer that would never have caused harm. The radiation dose varies by patient and imaging protocol. Ask your healthcare professional to explain the possible benefits and harms in your situation before deciding.

A finding on a scan does not by itself mean you have cancer. Your healthcare professional will explain the result and whether you need another scan or other tests. The recommended next step depends on what was found.

Ask your primary care provider about a referral to a lung cancer screening center. ALCSI also points people to the American College of Radiology’s accredited facility search. For help finding a center or understanding your next step, call ALCSI at 1-844-YES-LUNG.

Yes, especially if you are 50–80 and have at least a 20 pack-year history. The ACS recommendation includes people who used to smoke regardless of when they quit. The USPSTF recommendation and Medicare coverage rules still use a 15-year cutoff. Ask your healthcare professional which guidance applies to you and check coverage with your insurance plan.

Routine low-dose CT screening under current USPSTF and ACS guidelines is based on a substantial cigarette-smoking history and is not routinely recommended for people who have never smoked. Lung cancer can still occur in people who have never smoked. If you are concerned about radon, secondhand smoke, family history, or other risks, discuss them with a healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, ask about an evaluation; that is different from routine screening.

ALCSI links to the National Cancer Institute’s risk-based NLST Outcomes Tool and an online lung cancer risk calculator. These models estimate risk; they do not diagnose cancer or make a personal screening decision. Bring questions about your results to a healthcare professional.

No. Screening can look for lung cancer before symptoms appear in people who may benefit from it. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of lung cancer and other diseases. A healthcare professional can help with both screening and support to quit.