Lung Decisions Coaching Tool (LDC-T): General Population｜Benefits and Considerations of Screening

Video: Is lung cancer screening right for me?

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What Are the Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening (LDCT)?

Finding lung problems early—before symptoms appear—can greatly reduce the chance of dying from lung cancer.

Early Detection Can Save Lives: U.S. studies show that screening 333 high-risk people can save 1 life by finding cancer early enough for timely treatment.
Better Chance of a Cure: If you are at high risk, getting a low-radiation scan before symptoms begin can help find cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Doctor and patients

What Should You Keep in Mind About LDCT Screening?

Although screening can be helpful, it may also lead to these 4 possible situations:

False Alarm

False Alarms (False Positives)

Sometimes a scan may look concerning, but follow-up tests show that it is not lung cancer.
This is common: about 3 to 4 out of every 10 people screened may have a false alarm.
You may need extra scans or a small tissue test over the next 1 to 2 years. Waiting for results can cause stress or worry.

Unnecessary Treatment

Treatment You May Not Need (Overdiagnosis)

Some very small abnormal cells grow so slowly that they may never cause harm during a person’s lifetime.
Even so, once these cells are found, about 1 to 2 out of every 10 people diagnosed may receive surgery or treatment they did not need.

Radiation Exposure

A Small Amount of Radiation

Although the radiation dose is low, the scan still exposes your body to a small amount of radiation.
If the scan finds a suspicious spot and more scans are needed, your total radiation exposure may increase slightly.

Radiation comparison

Finding Other Health Issues

Other Health Issues Found by Chance

The scan may also find other chest problems, such as heart disease or lung scarring.
These findings may require extra doctor visits or tests, which can increase costs and add stress.

Lung Decisions Coaching Tool (LDC-T): General Population

Lung Decisions Coaching Tool (LDC-T) is created by Rush University Lung Health Study. If you have any questions, welcome to contact us via:
E-mail: ldct@lung-decisions.com

Rush University Lung Health Study. All right reserved.｜Latest Update: February 2022