Low-Dose CT Screenings for Lung Cancer

Your lung health is a top priority for our team.

As part of your preventive care, we offer guidance on the latest clinical recommendations for lung cancer screening. If you meet the criteria for a low-dose CT lung screening (LDCT), our providers will connect you with our expert radiology team to ensure you receive the most advanced and effective care.

We also work closely with specialists at Blue Ridge Cancer Center to provide comprehensive support throughout your screening and follow-up.

Importance of Regular Screenings

• About 8 million Americans are considered high risk for lung cancer and are recommended to receive annual screenings with low-dose CT scans.
• Lung cancer typically has zero symptoms until it has spread.
• In 15–30% of cases, lung cancer has already spread outside the lung by the time it’s detected, reducing chances for survival.
• Early detection matters:
  • The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 56% when found early and still contained within the lungs.
  • This drops to only 5% if the disease has spread to other organs.

Who Is Eligible for a Low-Dose CT Lung Screening?

• Age: 50–80 years old
• Smoking History:
  • Current smoker, or
  • Have quit within the past 15 years
• Pack-Year History:
  • At least 20 pack-years

How to Calculate Your Pack-Years

• Pack-Years = (Number of years smoked) × (Average packs per day)
  • Example: 2 packs/day × 20 years = 40 pack-years

Why Choose LDCT?

• People who received LDCT lung screening had a 20% lower chance of dying from lung cancer compared to those who only had chest x-rays.
• Low-dose CT scans provide more detailed images than chest x-rays and are better at finding small abnormal areas in the lungs.
• LDCT uses lower amounts of radiation than a standard chest CT and does not require intravenous (IV) contrast dye.