The little-known, lifesaving test everyone should know about
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, responsible for 1 in 5 cancer deaths and claiming roughly as many lives each year as prostate, colon and breast cancer combined.
In 2025 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 125,000 people will die of lung cancer, while an estimated 227,000 will receive a lung cancer diagnosis. And when it comes to lung cancer diagnoses, the outlook is “generally poor,” according to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), with an overall 5-year survival rate of only 20.5%. Much of this is due to the fact that only around 20% of cases are caught early, when the survival rate is higher, and nearly 50% are not detected until the survival rate is around 6%.
Thankfully, we do have a screening test for lung cancer—and catching lung cancer early greatly increases the patient’s chances that it can be treated and even cured.
“This is a life-saving test,” says Amie Miller, ARNP, Coordinator of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at SMH. “And if we can diagnose lung cancer at the earliest stages, it’s going to make a huge impact.”
But out of the millions of people who qualify for the test, only a small percentage are taking advantage.
What’s a “Pack-Year”?
A pack-year is used to measure how much a person has smoked in their lifetime. This allows physicians to quickly assess how much cancer risk this may have caused.
A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of cigarettes smoked each day by the number of years the person smoked, or “Packs Per Day x Years Smoked = Pack Years.”
So smoking a whole pack a day for a single year would be one (1) pack-year. And smoking two packs a day for one year would be two (2) pack-years. And so on.
What Is A Lung Cancer Screening Test?
Lung cancer screening is performed using a scan called Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT).
“And it’s the easiest cancer screening test you’ll ever have,” says Miller.
There are no injections or IVs, nothing to drink and nothing invasive. You simply lie on a table for a few minutes-and hold your breath twice-while the machine performs its scan.
Afterwards, a physician or technician will discuss your test results with you.
Who Qualifies For Lung Cancer Screening?
The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with LDCT in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
How Often Should Someone Be Screened?
Annually. If an individual qualifies for lung cancer screening, they should receive these screenings once a year, so that their physicians can keep an eye out for any developments or changes.
"Annual screening is absolutely vital," says Miller. "This is a process, not a one-and-done scan."
Like women receiving their yearly mammograms, lung cancer screening should be seen as a yearly necessity, for those who qualify.
Lower Your Risk
There are a few everyday things a person can do to lower their risk of developing lung cancer.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarettes remain a leading cause of lung cancer.
- Exercise daily. Studies show that a little daily activity helps reduce cancer risk.
- Eat healthy. That means lots of fruits and veggies and avoiding too many fried foods, fatty foods and simple carbohydrates.
- Wear proper protective equipment. Wear the proper masks and filters, when appropriate, to keep your lungs protected and safe.
- Test your home for radon. Radon is the main lung cancer risk factor among nonsmoking individuals.
Does Vaping Qualify Me For Lung Cancer Screening?
No. While vaping is undoubtedly bad for your health-"There's no question," says Miller. "There are cancer-causing agents in some of those substances and we know it's bad."-the habit is still relatively new and the long-term effects have not been fully documented. As a result, vaping does not yet qualify someone for lung cancer screening.
I Think I Qualify. What Is My First Step?
"The first step is always to talk to your doctor," says Miller. Begin the conversation and share your concerns with a healthcare professional. If you qualify for lung cancer screening, they will help you start the process and find a screening location.
“Sarasota Memorial currently offers screening at seven locations,” Miller says, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Sarasota and Venice campuses, and Sarasota Memorial Health Care Centers at Heritage Harbour, Clark Road, North Port, University Parkway and Blackburn Point.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH's in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master's degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY.