Lung Cancer Screening: Who Qualifies and Why Early Detection Matters

Lung cancer can stay silent for years, so screening with annual low-dose CT is advised for adults aged 50–80 who have at least 20 pack-years of smoking and either currently smoke or quit within 15 years. LDCT helps detect tiny tumors before symptoms appear, but not all nodules are cancer and screening can cause anxiety or unnecessary tests. Non-smokers may still be at risk due to pollution, occupational exposures, or genetics, so discussing risk with a doctor is important. Quitting smoking remains the best way to reduce risk.