Lung Cancer Screening: Questions for the Doctor

More people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Most people who develop lung cancer (about 9 in 10) smoke or have smoked in the past. If you currently smoke, the best way to lower your risk of developing lung cancer is to quit.

Ask your doctor about getting screened (tested) for lung cancer if all of these apply to you:

• You're age 50 to 80 years
• You smoke now or you quit within the last 15 years
• You have a history of heavy smoking — specifically, if you have a 20 pack-year smoking history. For example, this might mean you smoked an average of 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years.

Your doctor may suggest that you get screened once a year with LDCT (low-dose computed tomography). LDCT takes detailed pictures of your lungs, which can help find lung cancer early — when it may be easier to treat. 

What do I ask the doctor?

When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes.

Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.

• Am I at higher risk for lung cancer?
• Do you recommend that I get screened for lung cancer? Why or why not?
• Where do I go to get screened?
• What are the possible risks and side effects of lung cancer screening?
• How long will it take to get the results?
• If the results show that I may have cancer, will I need more tests to be sure?
• Can you suggest ways to help me quit smoking?
• What else can I do to lower my risk of lung cancer?