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Lung screening involves a scan of your lungs using a low-dose CT (LDCT) machine. The scan is free and takes place at a hospital in your community.
A low-dose CT scan is a safe and effective way to screen for lung cancer and can pick up much more than a chest x-ray can.
During your appointment, you will lie on the scanning table with your arms placed above your head. You will hold your breath for a few seconds as the table slides you into the scanner. The scanner will take detailed images of your lungs. The scan takes less than 10 seconds and is not painful. You do not need to take any medications or receive any needles for this test.
After your appointment, a radiologist will look for spots, also known as nodules on your scan. Both you and your primary care provider will receive results within three weeks. Depending on your results, you may be asked to return for additional testing to look more closely at an area.
Based on recommendations provided by the radiologist, the Lung Screening Program will notify you of when you are next due for screening.
Screening works best when you receive regular scans to monitor for any changes. Even if you don't have any spots now, you may get them in the future. Therefore, it's important to return for lung screening when you're due, as the risk of lung cancer increases as you age.
