Currently, lung cancer screening is recommended (and covered by most insurance plans and Medicare) for a specific high-risk population. Individuals who meet these criteria are at the highest risk, but there is ongoing research to determine who else may have an elevated risk of developing lung cancer.

Who should be screened:

  • You are between the ages of 55-80.
  • You are a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years.
  • You have a 30 pack-year smoking history.
    • (Calculated as # of packs smoked per day multiplied by # of years smoking. For example: 1 pack per day X 20 years = 20 pack years)

*The criteria above is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). If you do not meet the high-risk criteria but are concerned you are at risk for lung cancer, talk with your doctor about whether screening is right for you.