Lung Cancer Screening

Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening

Our lung cancer screening experts use CT scans to detect lung cancer in its early stages, when it's easier to treat and cure. As a pioneer in this field, we use the latest diagnostic tools, including low-dose CT scans, to safely and accurately screen for lung cancer with less radiation exposure. We screen patients who have an increased risk of lung cancer due to age and smoking history.

Low-dose CT scans are fast and painless. More importantly, a national study showed they reduce lung cancer deaths among current and former smokers by up to 20%, compared to chest X-ray screenings.

Who is eligible for lung cancer screening?

To be eligible for lung cancer screening at UCSF Health, you must:

• Be between 50 and 80 years old

• Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years (multiply the average number of cigarette packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked)

• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Insurance plans may have their own age ranges for which they will cover CT lung cancer screenings. To verify coverage, please check with your insurance provider.

What to expect from lung cancer screening

You don't need to prepare for your screening. Here's what to expect during the test:

• Arrival. A technologist takes you to a dressing room. If your clothing contains metal, we may ask you to change into a hospital gown. You wait in the waiting area until it's time for your test.

• Positioning. Your technologist takes you to the CT scanner and positions you on a table with your arms overhead.

• Screening. The table moves in and out of the scanner as it takes images. During the scan, the machine will instruct you to hold your breath for several seconds or breathe normally.

• Results. Our radiologists evaluate your CT scan and deliver prompt results. Please contact your referring doctor to discuss your results.