Lung cancer screening is recommended for certain individuals based on age, smoking history, and other risk factors. If you’re wondering whether you may be eligible, our free 2-minute risk assessment can help you understand your options — and connect you with what comes next.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. However, when found at an earlier stage, there may be more options available. Screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for certain high-risk individuals and may help identify possible signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear.According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), annual screening is recommended for adults aged 50–80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.A healthcare provider can help determine whether screening is right for you.
A low-dose CT scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging test that uses a low amount of radiation to create detailed pictures of your lungs. It is specifically designed for screening purposes and is different from a standard CT scan.The procedure typically takes less than a minute, requires no injections or special preparation, and is painless. It may be recommended for individuals at higher risk of lung cancer.How It Works:1- Talk to Your DoctorDiscuss your risk factors and whether screening is appropriate for you.2- Get the ScanThe LDCT scan takes less than a minute. No injections, no fasting required.3- Review ResultsYour healthcare provider will review results with you and discuss next steps.
According to current USPSTF guidelines, you may be eligible for lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan if you meet the following criteria. Eligibility should always be confirmed with your healthcare provider.• Age 50 to 80• 20 pack-year smoking history or more (e.g., 1 pack/day for 20 years, or 2 packs/day for 10 years)• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 yearsNot sure if you qualify? Our 2-minute quiz can help you find out.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):NSCLC accounts for about 80–85% of all lung cancer cases, with prognosis varying by stage; early-stage NSCLC has higher survival rates, while advanced stages have a poorer prognosis. Key biomarkers for NSCLC include EGFR, ALK, PD-L1, and KRAS, which guide targeted and immunotherapy options.Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):SCLC represents 10–15% of lung cancer cases and is known for its aggressive nature and rapid spread, resulting in a generally poorer prognosis. Biomarkers for SCLC include neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin A, synaptophysin, NSE), and MYC amplification.Patients with both NSCLC and SCLC can find numerous clinical trials offering access to the latest and most advanced options tailored to their specific cancer characteristics.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Understanding these risk factors is an important step in determining whether screening may be appropriate for you.• Smoking History: Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. The risk increases with the number of years and packs smoked per day (measured in “pack-years”).• Former Smokers: Even if you have quit smoking, your risk remains elevated for years after quitting. Individuals who quit within the past 15 years may still benefit from screening.• Age: The risk of lung cancer increases with age. Most lung cancers are diagnosed in people aged 65 or older.• Family History: A family history of lung cancer may increase your risk, especially if a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed.• Occupational Exposures: Exposure to substances like asbestos, radon, arsenic, diesel exhaust, and certain other chemicals may increase lung cancer risk.• Personal History of Lung Disease: Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis may be associated with an increased risk.Screening guidelines are currently based on age and smoking history. If you have additional risk factors, discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for you.
During the Scan:You will lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner. The scan itself takes less than a minute. You do not need to fast, receive injections, or do any special preparation. The machine uses a low amount of radiation — significantly less than a standard CT scan.After the Scan:Your healthcare provider will review the images and discuss the results with you. Results may show:• No findings of concern: Your doctor may recommend continued annual screening if you still meet eligibility criteria.• A finding that needs follow-up: Some scans reveal small nodules or other findings that are usually not cancer. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up scan or additional testing to monitor any changes.• A finding that requires further evaluation: In some cases, further diagnostic testing may be needed. Your doctor will guide you through next steps.It is important to remember that most findings on a screening LDCT are not cancer. A healthcare provider can help you understand your results and what they mean for you.
Screening:Screening is performed on individuals who have no symptoms but are at higher risk for lung cancer. The purpose is to detect possible signs of disease before symptoms develop. LDCT screening is recommended by the USPSTF for eligible individuals.Diagnostic Testing:Diagnostic tests are performed when a person has symptoms or when screening results suggest something that needs further evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include standard CT scans, biopsies, PET scans, or other procedures.This landing page and quiz focus on screening. If you are currently experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, please speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you have already been diagnosed with lung cancer, screening is not typically used. However, clinical trials may be an important part of your care journey.Clinical trials are research studies that test new medical treatments, including new drugs, novel drug combinations, and innovative approaches. Every drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had to be tested first in clinical trials.Benefits of Clinical Trials:• Innovative Therapy: Access to treatments at the forefront of medical science, designed for conditions like locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer.• Personalized Match: Massive Bio’s AI-powered platform pairs patients with trials that align with their specific condition and medical history.• Expert Guidance: An experienced team of medical professionals provides guidance, support, and answers to questions throughout the process.• No Cost: Massive Bio’s clinical trial matching service is always free for patients and their doctors.If you have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Massive Bio can help match you to relevant clinical trials.
What Are Clinical Trials?Cancer is an unfortunate reality that touches most of us at some point in our lives. If you or a loved one has cancer, you may have heard or read that clinical trials could offer access to innovative new options. But what exactly is a clinical trial? In this video, Massive Bio co-founder Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, explains how clinical trials work, what to expect if you enroll in one, and why a clinical trial can be an important option for many cancer patients.We dream of the day when cancer disappears from our lives. Massive Bio is working tirelessly on achieving that goal.
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