Lung Cancer Screening & Diagnosis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in America, but now there's more hope. Screening detects lung cancer early, when it’s more curable.

The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute team screens lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan that uses X-rays, or radiation, to create detailed pictures of your body. Screening won't prevent cancer and it may not find all lung cancers, but research shows that if people at higher risk are screened every year, they're less likely to die from lung cancer.

Who Needs Screening?

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of lung cancer screening. You should get an annual lung cancer screening if you are 50 to 80 years old:

• And have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years.
• And you still smoke, or you quit within the last 15 years.
• And you are in good overall health overall. Having a serious health problem might mean you couldn't receive treatment for lung cancer. The treatment could be risky and might not help you live longer.

What Is a Pack Year?

To figure out your pack years, multiply how many packs of cigarettes (20 cigarettes per pack) you smoke each day by how many years you have smoked.  

For example:

• If you smoked one pack a day for 15 years, that's one times 15 for a smoking history of 15 pack years.
• If you smoked 1.5 packs a day for 20 years, that's 1.5 times 20 for a smoking history of 30 pack years.
• If you smoked two packs a day for 15 years, that's two times 15 for a smoking history of 30 pack years.

The Cancer Institute’s extensive outreach program connects underserved populations with needed screening for various types of cancer, including lung. The program offers eligible people free screening at Hartford HealthCare hospitals.

For more information, call 860.972.0511.

What to Expect During Lung Cancer Screening

If you meet the high-risk criteria, your doctor will talk with you about lung cancer screening. If you are eligible and would like to be screened, your doctor will refer you for a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan.

The screening center staff tells you how to prepare for your scan. Be sure to mention if you have a respiratory infection, as it might affect the scan results. When you arrive, remove any metal such as jewelry or a watch.

The scan itself is painless and takes less than a minute. You recline on the scanner table and must stay as still as possible as it slides in and out of the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath.

Your doctor will contact you with the results.