Early Detection of Lung Cancer: Importance of Screening, Who Should Get Screened, and What to Expect

Early detection saves lives — it’s that simple when it comes to lung cancer. As the second most common cancer in the United States, lung cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, with Oklahoma seeing higher rates than the national average.

The good news? A quick, painless screening could help catch lung cancer early when treatment is most effective. Here's what you need to know about lung cancer screening and who should get one.

What Happens During Screening?

Think of a lung cancer screening as taking a special picture of your lungs. You'll lie on a table that slides in and out of a CT scanner, a machine that uses low-dose radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. Here's exactly what you can expect:

Before the Screening

• No special preparation is needed
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons
• You may be asked to remove jewelry and other metal objects
• Your healthcare provider will review your smoking history and other risk factors

During the Screening

• The technologist will help position you on the table
• You'll need to hold very still for a few moments
• The table will move slowly through the scanner
• The entire process takes less than 10 minutes
• No needles or contrast dye are needed
• You can return to normal activities immediately after

The detailed images from your screening help doctors spot potential signs of lung cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment options are most effective.

Should You Get Screened?

You should consider getting a lung cancer screening if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old, and
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and
• Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (for example, smoking two packs a day for 10 years or one pack a day for 20 years)

Not sure about your pack-years? Here's a simple calculation: multiply the number of packs you smoke(d) per day by the number of years you've smoked. For instance, if you smoked 1.5 packs daily for 15 years, your pack-year history would be 22.5.

Why Screening Matters

The statistics tell a compelling story. In 2022, approximately 236,740 new lung cancer cases were reported in the United States, with 130,180 deaths reported. Even if you don't currently smoke, several factors could be a concern to speak with your doctor about:

• Regular exposure to secondhand smoke
• Environmental factors like air pollution
• Workplace exposure to substances like asbestos
• Family history of lung cancer
• History of other lung diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma)

Getting screened is particularly important in Oklahoma, where almost half a million adults are smokers, and over 21% of high school students use e-cigarettes. The state's rate of newly diagnosed lung cancer significantly exceeds the national average, making regular screening even more crucial for at-risk residents.

What Happens After the Screening?

After your screening, a specialized radiologist will review your images and send the results to your healthcare provider. Your provider will then contact you to discuss the results and any necessary follow-up care. Regular annual screenings are recommended for those who meet the criteria, as they provide the best chance for early detection.

Remember: Early detection could make all the difference in a cancer journey. With a simple, painless screening that takes less than 10 minutes, you can take a crucial step in protecting your health. Take the first step today.

Call (405) 271-LUNG to schedule your screening today, learn more about lung cancer screening services and treatment at OU Health or call (405) 271-1112 for more information.