Lung Cancer Screening at NewYork-Presbyterian
Lung Cancer Screening at NewYork-PresbyterianNewYork-Presbyterian's lung cancer screening programs offer state-of-the-art, low-dose LDCT imaging for people at high risk for lung cancer, with coordinated care should further testing or treatment be necessary. We also provide individualized support through smoking cessation counseling and education.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can help find lung cancer in the earliest stages. An LDCT uses a small amount of radiation to make detailed images of your lungs, which a radiologist analyzes. LDCT uses a much lower dose of radiation than a regular CT scan when screening for lung cancer, and the scan takes only a few minutes.
Who should get screened for lung cancer?
Who should get screened for lung cancer?Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Smoking is the primary and most preventable cause of the disease. One reason lung cancer is so deadly is that more than 50% to 60% of cases are diagnosed at later stages, when more advanced symptoms have already developed. Annual screenings can help find lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
High-risk factors for lung cancer can include:
- Adults aged 55 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking (at least 20 pack years*), who currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years.
- Exposure to carcinogens such as secondhand smoke, radiation, air pollution, and hazardous substances such as asbestos and uranium.
- A previous cancer diagnosis
- A family history of lung cancer
- A history of COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
*Pack years = number of years smoked X average packs per day. For example, 1 pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.
Even if you've never smoked or quit a long time ago, you may still be at risk of lung cancer. Pay attention to any changes in your health and talk with your doctor about your LDCT eligibility and whether screening may be right for you.
What to expect when screening for lung cancer
What to expect when screening for lung cancerDecision Making consultation (SDM): A specialist or your referring doctor will refer you to a Shared Decision Making consultation, where you will discuss the risks and benefits of participation in a lung cancer screening. An LDCT scan (low-dose CT scan) is performed on the same day as the consultation.
LDCT scan: This low-dose CT scan involves lying on your back on a table that slides in and out of a CT scanner. The technologist will ask that you remain completely still and hold your breath as the table moves quickly through the machine. The process is painless and takes less than 5 minutes. Your LDCT scan will be reviewed by a selected group of board-certified radiologists within 24 hours.
Screening results and next steps
Screening results and next stepsTypical outcomes after a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can include:
- Normal result: If no nodules (a small, abnormal area that’s ≤ 3 cm) or suspicious findings are present, patients are usually advised to continue annual screening.
- Nodule found: Nodules are very common and most are benign. Follow-up tests will be recommended depending on the size and texture of the nodules.
- Follow-up scans: If nodules are present, a repeat LDCT scan may be needed within the next 1 to 6 months, depending on nodule size.
- Further testing: If a nodule looks suspicious, additional advanced testing for lung cancer may be required, including a PET scan, biopsy, and DNA sequencing.
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
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Lung Cancer Screening Program
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Lung Cancer Screening Program
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Lung Cancer Screening Program
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Lung Cancer Screening Program
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Early Detection and Health Education brought to you by Weill Cornell Imaging at New-York Presbyterian, Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center