The idea of screening for a disease means evaluating a patient who has no symptoms and looking proactively for signs of that disease. Common examples of screening include mammograms for breast cancer, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and colonoscopies for colon cancer. Currently, lung cancer screening is reserved for individuals who are considered high-risk. High-risk criteria include a long-term smoking history, asbestos exposure, significant secondhand smoke exposure, and family history of lung cancer. In these patients—who show no symptoms—we actively look for early signs of lung cancer.
The only approved method for lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT (CAT) scan of the chest. This imaging test takes pictures of the inside of the body and allows doctors to detect nodules or masses in the lungs. The low-dose approach minimizes radiation exposure while still providing detailed images. The current recommendations support annual low-dose, non-contrast CT scans for patients who meet the high-risk criteria, such as specific age ranges and documented exposure histories. Clinical trials are also exploring whether individuals without personal smoking histories—but with strong family histories, genetic predispositions, or significant secondhand smoke exposure—might also benefit from screening.
My name is Dr. Michaela Straznicka, and I am a proud member of the BASS Medical Group.
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