United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines released March 2021 state that screening for lung cancer by low-dose CT is recommended when all of the following eligibility criteria is met:
- Age 50-80
- Current or former smoker (quit date must be within the last 15 years)
- History of cigarette smoking with pack-years greater than or equal to 20
- Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of lung cancer. No new or worsening: cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss.
- No lung infection such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or COVID-19 within the past 12 weeks
- No personal diagnosis of or treatment for cancer within the past 5 years
- You have not had a CT of the chest within the last 12 months
Please check with your individual insurance carrier to verify coverage for lung cancer screening.
If you are having any of the symptoms listed above please contact your doctor for an evaluation. If your medical concern is an emergency, please seek immediate treatment by calling 911 or visiting your nearest emergency room.