17. Changes in Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility
The American Cancer Society recommends annual low-dose spiral CT (LDCT) screening for generally healthy adults ages 50 to 80 with a minimum 20 pack-year smoking history, since lung cancer screening with LDCT has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals. A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked — so a one-pack-per-day smoker for 20 years qualifies.
This is especially relevant because lung cancer warning signs often don’t appear until the cancer is advanced. For those who meet the screening criteria but haven’t yet discussed LDCT screening with their physician, that conversation is overdue. Current or former smokers who notice any respiratory changes — persistent cough, shortness of breath, blood-tinged sputum, or a new hoarse voice — should contact their doctor promptly.