The Lung Cancer Screening Conversation: 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When was the last time you talked with your doctor about your lung health?

For many people, conversations about lung cancer screening don’t happen until a concern arises. But for individuals at increased risk, screening can be an important step toward detecting potential problems before symptoms develop.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great opportunity to start a conversation about your health, understand your risk factors, and learn whether low-dose CT lung cancer screening may be right for you.

Not sure where to begin? Here are five questions worth bringing to your next doctor’s appointment.

1. Am I at Risk for Lung Cancer?

Understanding your personal risk factors is the first step in determining whether screening may be appropriate.

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, but other factors can contribute to your overall risk, including secondhand smoke, radon exposure, certain workplace exposures, and family history.

Be prepared to discuss your smoking history, including how many years you smoked, how much you smoked each day, and when you quit, if applicable.

Your physician can use this information to help evaluate your risk and discuss appropriate next steps.

2. Do I Qualify for Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?

Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is recommended for certain individuals who have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

The general eligibility criteria used for screening include:

• • Being between 50 and 80 years old.

• • Having a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years.

• • Currently smoking or having quit within the past 15 years.

• • Having no signs or symptoms of lung disease.

A physician’s order, smoking cessation counseling, and shared decision-making are also required.

Coverage requirements may differ by insurance provider. For example, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans generally cover eligible screening through age 77.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, your physician can help review your history and determine whether screening is appropriate.

3. What Happens During a Low-Dose CT Screening?

Knowing what to expect can help make the screening process feel less intimidating.

A low-dose CT scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging exam that uses a lower radiation dose than a standard diagnostic chest CT.

During the exam:

• • You’ll lie on a scanning table.

• • The table moves through the CT scanner as images are taken.

• • You’ll be asked to remain still and may briefly hold your breath.

• • The scan is typically completed within a few minutes.

There are no needles or injections required for a routine LDCT screening.

After the exam, a radiologist reviews the images and sends the results to your referring physician.

4. What Happens If My Scan Finds a Lung Nodule?

It’s understandable to feel concerned if your screening results mention a lung nodule. However, finding a nodule does not automatically mean you have cancer.

Lung nodules are small spots in the lungs that can develop from previous infections, inflammation, or other noncancerous conditions.

More than 95% of lung nodules are benign.

Depending on the size, appearance, and characteristics of the nodule, your physician may recommend:

• • A follow-up CT scan to monitor changes.

• • Additional imaging, such as a PET scan.

• • A biopsy if the findings appear suspicious or change over time.

Follow-up recommendations are individualized, and many nodules simply require monitoring.

If you have questions about your results, your physician can help explain the findings and discuss the next steps.

5. How Often Should I Be Screened?

For individuals who continue to meet screening eligibility requirements, annual low-dose CT screening is generally recommended.

Regular screening gives healthcare providers an opportunity to compare images over time and identify changes that may need additional evaluation.

Ask your physician when you should schedule your next screening and whether any changes in your health history could affect your eligibility.

Start the Conversation About Your Lung Health

You don’t need to have symptoms to ask questions about lung cancer screening.

If you have a history of smoking or are unsure whether you qualify, talking with your physician is a great place to start.

At Diagnostic Imaging NW, we offer low-dose CT lung cancer screening at the following locations:

• • DINW Bonney Lake

• • DINW Puyallup

• • DINW Sunrise

A signed physician referral is required to schedule your screening.

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take the opportunity to ask questions, understand your risks, and make informed decisions about your health.

Learn more about low-dose CT lung cancer screening or contact DINW to take the next step.