Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me?

You may be eligible for a lung cancer screening if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are 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, you currently smoke, or have quit within the last 15 years

If you meet these guidelines, you are considered at “high risk” for developing lung cancer, and annual screening with a LDCT scan is recommended. 

Medicare and many private health insurance plans cover lung cancer screening without cost-sharing if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, coverage can vary based on type of plan you have. Many insurance plans are currently updating their criteria to match the latest guidelines.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm:

• Whether lung cancer screening is covered under your plan
• Even if the screening is free, if there are any other out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for
• Whether any follow-up tests or procedures after the scan would be covered

Use the Lung Cancer Screening Insurance Checklist to help guide your conversation with your insurance provider. You can also check out our coverage chart to learn more about different plan types and what they offer.

Lung cancer screening is currently only recommended for people considered at high risk, based on age and smoking history, because that is where research has shown it provides the most benefit. Experts look at data from large studies, like the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), funded by the National Cancer Institute, to determine who should be screened. For those outside of the high-risk group, there is not enough evidence yet to show that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.

Join the American Lung Association's fight to increase federal funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health so there can be improved early detection of lung cancer, as well as better treatments and cures for all. Sign up today at Lung.org/action.

Even if you are not eligible for lung cancer screening, there are important steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cancer. The best way is to avoid exposure to the harmful substances known to cause it. Here is what you can do:

• Don’t smoke or quit smoking if you do. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or contact the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA for support and ways to help you quit. You can also visit Lung.org/quit-smoking for tools, resources, and quit programs.
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is the smoke breathed out by other people who smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, exposure can increase your risk of lung cancer or worsen other health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and respiratory infections. Learn more at Lung.org/secondhand-smoke.
• Test your home for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in any home. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer. If your home tests high for radon, take steps to repair your home to remove the radon. A certified radon contractor can fix the problem. Learn more at Lung.org/radon.
• Be safe around hazardous chemicals. Make sure you are safe around hazardous materials in the workplace and at home.

If you are at high risk for lung cancer, talk with your doctor about getting a low-dose CT scan. While annual lung cancer screenings are critical, it’s not right for everyone. That’s why it’s important to:

•  Discuss your complete health history with your doctor
•  Ask about the benefits and risks of screening
• Understand that only low-dose CT scans are recommended for lung cancer screening, not Chest X-rays
• Learn about the financial, emotional, and personal costs to screening.

Your doctor can help you decide if screening is the right choice for you. If you don’t have a doctor, our Lung Health Navigators can help.

If you decide to get screened, there are a few important things to know. Like other screening tests, lung cancer screening comes with some risks. A low-dose CT scan uses a small amount, or a low dose, of radiation. This amount is about the same as the natural background radiation a person is exposed to over six months by just living on Earth. In some cases, your doctor may recommend follow-ups tests or procedures if something abnormal is found.

That is why you should choose a hospital or screening center with a team of experienced professionals. They will guide you through the screening process, discuss the potential benefits and risks of the screening, and help you understand what your results could mean. The team should also talk with you about next steps and make a plan to follow up with you after your initial screening.

Learn more about what to expect from a lung cancer screening.

After your LDCT scan, you will receive results that fall into one of three categories:

• Positive Result. A “positive” result means that the low-dose CT scan shows something abnormal. This is usually a lung nodule of a concerning size or appearance that needs more tests. This does not mean you have lung cancer, but you may need additional scans or procedures to find out more information. Your doctor and the screening team will talk with you about next steps. 
• Negative Result. A “negative” result means that no abnormal findings were seen on your scan. However, it is important to understand that a negative result does not mean you won’t develop lung cancer in the future. Your doctor will talk with you about whether and when you should be screened again. In general, if you remain eligible, you should continue to get screened each year.
• Indeterminate Result. There may also be an "indeterminate" result, and your doctor may recommend watchful follow-up and further imaging at a later time.
• Indeterminate Result. Sometimes, the result may be “indeterminate”, meaning it is unclear whether the finding is serious.  In this case, your doctor may recommend a period of watchful waiting, with follow-up scans over time to monitor for any changes. This helps to detect potential issues early while avoiding unnecessary procedures. 

The American Lung Association has a variety of lung cancer and lung cancer screening resources for both patients and healthcare professionals. If you have questions or need help navigating the screening process, you can speak directly with one of our knowledgeable Lung Health Navigators. Call 1-844-ALA-LUNG for one-on-one support and guidance.