Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Lung Cancer

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Lung Cancer Screening: What You Should Know 

Lung cancer is often difficult to catch early because many people do not see symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Because of this, screening plays an important role in finding lung cancer early, when treatment may be more effective. 

Who is at risk? 

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop lung cancer, but it does help guide important conversations with your doctor 

Common risk factors include: 

  • Cigarette smoking (the single greatest risk factor; approximately 80% of lung cancers are linked to smoking) 
  • Exposure to radon gas  
  • Secondhand smoke exposure 
  • Occupational exposures such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, and chemicals used in industries like rubber manufacturing, painting, roofing, and chimney sweeping 
  • Personal or family history of lung cancer 
  • Prior radiation therapy to the chest 
  • Air pollution 

Who should get screened?

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Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is recommended for at-risk individuals who meet the following criteria: 

  • Are between 50 and 80 years of age 
  • Currently smoke or are former smokers 
  • Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (for example, smoking one pack per day for 20 years) 

Schedule a lung cancer screening 

If you are eligible (meet the above listed criteria) for lung cancer screening, you should talk to your doctor about screening.  

If you do not have a doctor, you can schedule an appointment with Nebraska Medicine by calling 402.559.5600 or visiting Nebraska Medicine Schedule a Lung Cancer Screening Call. Nebraska Medicine is our clinical partner.   

What is lung cancer screening like? 

Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) which is a specialized X-ray test that takes detailed images of the lungs using less radiation than a standard CT scan. The scan helps find abnormal lung areas before they start causing any symptoms. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and does not require any injections or special preparation.  

Symptoms to watch for:

Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include: 

  • [B]Blood: Coughing or spitting up blood 
  • [R] Recurring: Repeated respiratory infections 
  • [E] Enduring: A new or changing cough that does not go away 
  • [A] Aches: Pain in the chest, back, or shoulder 
  • [T] Trouble: Difficulty breathing 
  • [H] Hoarseness: Hoarseness or wheezing 
  • [E] Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, or loss of appetite 

The acronym B-R-E-A-T-H-E helps people easily remember the 7 most common warning signs and symptoms of lung cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Pack-year is a way to measure smoking exposure that considers how long and how much you have smoked. It’s calculated by multiplying the number of years you have smoked by the number of packs you smoke daily. For example: 

  • One pack a day for the last 20 years = 20 pack-years. 
  • Two packs a day for the last 10 years = 20 pack-years. 
No. While smoking is the leading cause, non-smokers can and do develop lung cancer. Radon exposure, secondhand smoke, occupational exposures, air pollution, and inherited genetic factors can all contribute to the disease in people who have never smoked.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover annual LDCT screening at no cost for individuals who meet eligibility criteria. Coverage details vary, so it is a good idea to confirm with your insurance provider before scheduling.
Many findings on lung cancer screening scans are not cancerous. If an abnormality is detected, your care team will discuss the next steps. Keep in mind that growth in your lung doesn’t always mean cancer, as noncancerous lung nodules are common.