Some early cancers might have signs and symptoms that are noticeable, but that is not always the case. Screening is the use of tests or exams to find a disease in people that might not have noticeable symptoms.

In lung cancer, early detection is everything. The sooner lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the opportunity for curative treatment.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care now recommends screening for lung cancer with three consecutive annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans in high-risk individuals, i.e., adults aged 55-74 years who currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago, with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years. A pack year is defined as the average number of packs smoked daily multiplied by the number of years of smoking.

Hospitals and clinics across the country have teams and the expertise to conduct lung cancer screening. Speak to your family physician to get a referral.