Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, so finding out you may be at high risk can feel overwhelming. Your doctor can help you understand your personal risk and whether annual lung cancer screenings are right for you.
When should you talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening?
You should talk with your doctor about lung cancer screening if the following criteria apply to you:
You are between 50-80 years of age
You have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (this means 1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.)
AND, if you currently smoke, or have quit within the last 15 years
If you are not sure about your risk, you can take our online quiz or connect with a Lung Health Navigator by calling 844-ALA-LUNG to see if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening.
Talking to your doctor matters
Your doctor can counsel you on the benefits and risks, and what you can expect from the screening process. Together, you can decide if screening is a good choice for you. Use this doctor discussion guide to get the conversation started with your doctor about screening.
Doctors can also talk with you about other lung cancer risk factors, like exposure to radon or air pollution and family history. While these factors can increase your risk, there are currently no screening guidelines for them.
