Once you have talked to your doctor about risks and benefits, it might be useful to talk about why you may or may not want to be screened. Some questions to consider include:

  • What are my reasons for wanting to be screened?
  • Would I undergo surgery and possible treatment should cancer be found?
  • What are my reasons for not wanting to be screened?
  • Do I have all the information I need to make a decision with which I feel comfortable? If not, what other questions can my doctor help answer for me?
  • Do I need to talk with someone else about this decision besides my doctor? If so, who could help me make this decision?

It is important to consider all of the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening. Here are some other important things to consider:

  • Screening is not a one-time test. In order for it to work, you have to come every year for as long as your doctor recommends, so that any cancer that may be small and slow growing will be found as early as possible.
  • If you smoke, it is still important to consider quitting. You might think it doesn’t matter but there are lots of benefits to quitting, even now. Your healthcare team wants to help you! Don’t be afraid to ask for their help.