Lung Cancer Screenings – What You Need to Know

Lung cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to catch cancer early, especially for people with a history of smoking. If you or someone you love may be at risk, learning about who should be screened and how modern technology supports early diagnosis can empower you to take the next step. Early detection saves lives, and the right tools make that possible.

Who Should Be Screened

Yearly lung cancer screening with a low‑dose CT (LDCT) scan is recommended for adults who:

• Are 50–80 years old
• Smoke now or used to smoke
• Have a 20 pack‑year smoking history (Example: 1 pack/day for 20 years or 2 packs/day for 10 years)

Talk with your healthcare provider about the purpose, benefits, limits, and possible risks of screening. Screening is not recommended for people with serious health problems that limit life expectancy or for those who would not want treatment if cancer is found. People who still smoke should receive support to quit.

Why Screening Matters

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths.

• Smoking greatly increases risk, and even after quitting, risk stays higher than for people who never smoked.
• Early lung cancer usually has no symptoms.
• Screening can find cancer early, when treatment is more effective.
• Many lung cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone who qualifies got screened yearly.

Lung cancer can occur in people who never smoked, but there is no reliable way to identify which nonsmokers should be screened.

How Screening Saves Lives

LDCT scans can detect lung cancer at an early stage, offering:

• More treatment options
• Less invasive treatments
• Better chances of survival

The ION Robotic Bronchoscopy System

What It Is

A state‑of‑the‑art robotic system that helps doctors examine and biopsy very small or hard‑to‑reach lung nodules.

What It Can Do

• Reach deep areas of the lung with robotic precision
• Use 3D imaging and real‑time navigation for accuracy
• Biopsy tiny nodules safely and effectively
• Reduce the need for surgical biopsies
• Provide a minimally invasive experience with quicker recovery

Your Next Step:

Ask your primary care provider about ordering a low-dose CT Lung Screening, or contact our Pulmonary Clinic for details, because prevention takes action!