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Fit This Criteria? You Might Need a Lung Cancer Screening
November 21, 2025
Lung cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages – but that’s when it’s most treatable.
“That’s why screening can be so important,” says Brian Whang, MD, the medical director of the lung screening program at Hartford HealthCare. “It gives us a chance to find lung cancer before it spreads, when treatment has the best chance of working.”
Not everyone needs screening – but if you meet certain criteria, it could be lifesaving.
Why early screening matters
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., often because it isn’t caught until it’s advanced.
“But when we catch it early, we can act quickly – and that makes a big difference,” says Dr. Whang.
The test is a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which can detect small tumors before they cause symptoms. It’s designed for people without signs like a persistent cough, chest pain or shortness of breath.
> Related: 5 Common Causes of Lung Cancer Besides Smoking
Who should get screened?
You may qualify for annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply:
- You’re between 50 and 80 years old.
- You currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
- You have a history of smoking for 20 “pack-years.”
Even if you don’t meet these criteria, other risks – like race and ethnicity, family history, chronic lung disease or chemical exposure – can still make screening worth discussing with your doctor. Just keep in mind that if you don’t meet the standard criteria, you’ll likely pay out of pocket.
Screening isn’t recommended if you quit more than 15 years ago or have health issues that would make surgery or treatment unsafe.
> Related: Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking?
What a “pack year” really means
A pack year is simply a way to measure how much you’ve smoked over time. But it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
You multiply the number of packs you smoke per day by the number of years you’ve smoked. That total helps your provider understand your long-term exposure and whether screening is recommended.
“One pack a day for 20 years equals 20 pack years – just like two packs a day for 10 years,” says Dr. Whang.
What to expect from the test.
The scan is quick, painless and covered by insurance if you fit the criteria.
“You lie on a table, the scanner takes pictures of your lungs and then you’re done,” says Dr. Whang. “It doesn’t involve needles, and it only takes ten minutes.”
Worried about claustrophobia? Don’t be. “The scanner is open, not a tunnel. Most people are surprised by how easy it is,” he adds.
Low-dose CT scans use about five times less radiation than a regular CT scan – safe enough to repeat each year.
Why it’s worth it
Lung cancer screening offers three major benefits:
- Early detection – catching cancer before symptoms start.
- Improved survival – cancers caught early can have survival rates of 90% or better.
- Peace of mind – a normal scan can ease your worries.
“It’s one of the most effective screening tools we have,” says Dr. Whang. “And if we find something, we can act before it gets worse.”
> Related: Are You a Former Smoker? You May Still Need to Get Screened for Lung Cancer
What screening doesn’t replace
“Screening doesn’t take the place of quitting smoking,” Dr. Whang explains. “It’s for people already at higher risk – not a reason to keep smoking.”
If you’re ready to quit, your provider can connect you with free support. Combining screening with quitting is the best way to protect your health.
> Related: 5 Reasons You Might Want a Lung Cancer Screening
One conversation could save your life
Your primary care provider, pulmonologist or even a specialist can refer you for a lung cancer screening if it’s right for you.
And if you do qualify?
“It’s fast. It’s safe. And it could catch cancer early – when it’s still curable,” says Dr. Whang. “Talk to your provider today and don’t wait until something feels wrong.”