Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in India and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Cigarette smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of cases of lung cancer; second-hand smoke exposure also increases risk. The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking. Quitting, even after years of smoking, significantly lowers the risk—after 15 years, the risk drops by 80–90% compared to those who continue smoking. Quitting smoking can be challenging, but help is available, and your health care provider can support you.

Screening detects lung cancer at its earliest stage, improving treatment success. The recommended method is low dose computed tomography (LDCT), a quick, painless scan that uses low radiation to create detailed lung images.

Who Should Be Screened?

Annual LDCT screening is recommended for those who:

• Are 50 to 80 years old
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g., 1 pack/day for 20 years or 2 packs/day for 10 years)
• Still smoke or quit within the past 15 years

Is Screening worthwhile?

• Screening can detect the disease in the early stages, and that this can reduce the number of people who die from the disease. Screening for lung cancer with low-dose DT scan has been shown to decrease the risk of death from lung cancer are heavy smokers or have a long history of smoking.