The Power of Lung CT During Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Medically reviewed by: Ricki Shah, MD
Every November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to remember that finding lung cancer early can significantly impact the outcome. It’s still the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, but early and more accurate scans mean it can be spotted and treated earlier.
One helpful scan is the low-dose lung CT (LDCT) scan. It’s fast, painless, and is really good at finding cancer before you even feel sick.
Why Lung Cancer Often Goes Undetected
Lung cancer develops quietly, and in its early stages, it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. By the time persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath appear, the disease may already be advanced. That’s why early detection through preventive lung screenings is so critical.
What Is a Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Scan?
A low-dose CT scan uses advanced imaging technology to create detailed, 3D images of the lungs using significantly less radiation than a traditional CT scan. The process typically takes less than 10 minutes and does not require injections or special preparation.
Unlike a standard chest X-ray, an LDCT can detect even the smallest abnormalities, including early-stage tumors that are too small to be seen otherwise. This level of detail can mean the difference between a simple, localized treatment and an advanced cancer diagnosis.
Who Should Get a Lung CT Screening?
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), lung cancer screening with low-dose CT is recommended for adults who:
- Are 50 to 80 years old
- Have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history (one pack per day for 20 years)
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
If you fall into this group, talk to our providers about whether a lung CT screening is right for you.
Benefits of Lung CT as a Preventive Measure
- Catching it early can save your life: Studies show that getting screened with LDCT can cut lung cancer deaths by up to 20% for those at high risk.
- It’s easy and painless: There are no needles, nothing injected, and you can get back to your regular stuff right after.
- Fast and spot-on: The scan’s super quick, and if they find something, they can tell you what to do next asap.
- Feel good knowing: Even if everything looks good, screening can give you some peace of mind and keep you on top of your health.
Lung Cancer is More Than a Smoker’s Disease
While smoking remains the leading risk factor, up to 20% of lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked. Factors such as secondhand smoke, radon exposure, and air pollution also play a role. This makes awareness and prevention critical for everyone — not just those with a smoking history.
Schedule Your Lung CT at Clarity Care in Lenexa, KS This Lung Cancer Awareness Month
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take control of your lung health with a low-dose CT scan at Clarity Care in Lenexa, Kansas. Our experienced imaging team provides fast, accurate, and compassionate care — helping you detect potential concerns early and protect your long-term health.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Detect early. Protect your future. Schedule a lung CT today at Clarity Care.
