Lung Cancer Screening

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening is a simple test that checks your lungs for signs of cancer before symptoms appear. It uses a low-dose CT scan (LDCT), a type of X-ray, which takes detailed pictures inside the lungs. The aim of screening is to show potentially cancerous tumors while they are still small and easier to treat.

Lung cancer usually has no symptoms in the early stages, so screening aims to detect it before it spreads. If lung cancer is found (detected) at a later stage, treatment is more difficult and survival rates are lower.

Who should attend lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening is recommended once a year if you are considered high risk for the disease. Those considered at a high risk include:

• Anyone aged 50 to 75 who meets the below criteria:
• Anyone who has smoked at least one pack of cigarettes a day for more than 30 years. This includes current smokers or those who have quit within the last 15 years.
• Anyone who has smoked medwakh or sheesha for more than 20 years. This includes current users as well as those who have quit within the last 15 years. If you meet these criteria, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.

What does lung cancer screening involve?

Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) to take pictures inside your chest. Innovations in LDCT scans have revolutionized the early detection process, enabling lung cancer to be diagnosed at its earliest and most treatable stages. The images obtained can’t diagnose cancer alone but can identify any masses which need to be tested for cancer.

Before the test, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for lung cancer screening. If you are unwell with a respiratory illness (a cough or cold), tell your doctor.

During the screening, you will be asked to remove any metal items and to wear a gown. You will then lie on a bed while the scanner takes images of your chest. You may be asked to breathe in and out or to hold your breath.

After the test, your scans will be reviewed by a specialist. Your doctor will discuss the results with you

What are the advantages of lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening with LDCT allows doctors to see smaller tumors compared to other imaging tests like X-ray. It can find cancer early, before symptoms appear. LDCT also has a lower radiation dose than standard CT scans.

What are the risks of lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening may result in false positives. This means something is detected that looks like lung cancer, such as nodules, but isn’t, which can be stressful. Lung cancer screening can also lead to incidental findings, which may not need treatment and can lead to unnecessary tests.

LDCT scans expose you to small amounts of radiation. Repeated radiation exposure may increase your risk of cancer.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening to help you make an informed decision.

What happens after lung cancer screening?

Your imaging scans will be reviewed and the results discussed with you. The results will be one of the following:

• Negative: No signs of lung cancer.
• Benign: A growth/nodule was seen but it does not look like cancer.
• Probably benign: A nodule requires follow-up imaging to confirm it is not cancerous.
• Suspicious: The images suggest a nodule that may be cancerous. Follow up imaging and a biopsy are needed to confirm.
• Very suspicious: Nodules are seen which look like cancer. Further imaging and biopsy are required. You will be referred to a lung cancer specialist.
• Significant: Something unusual was found that needs further testing but is not cancer.
• Incomplete: Results aren’t possible either due to a lung infection or the doctor wants to compare the images to a previous scan.

If follow-up tests are needed, these may include:

• Another LDCT scan in 3 to 6 months
• A diagnostic (more detailed) CT scan
• A PET/CT scan (a test to check for cancer activity in the body)
• A biopsy which involves taking a small sample of lung tissue and testing it for cancer.
• Consultation with a specialist in cancer or lung cancer (oncologist or pulmonologist)

Concerned about lung cancer screening?

Finding lung cancer early can save your life.

If you think you are at high risk and eligible for lung cancer screening, discuss screening with your doctor.