Current methods for detecting lung cancer include chest x-ray, PET or CT scan, sputum cytology, biomarker testing, and a lung tissue biopsy. Some tools are used in combination for a more accurate assessment of the disease. Please talk to your physician regarding each method.

In 2010, the National Lung Screening Trial published the results after looking at over 53,454 high-risk patients, who were randomized and divided into CT and X-ray groups to look at the efficacy in detecting lung cancer. The conclusion was that CT saves 20% more lives than X-rays. This study led to a recommendation from the USPSTF to use Low Dose CT as a screening method for high risk patients which led to a coverage and implementation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. To learn more about the study results, click on: Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Screening by the NLST Research Team.

In 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to cover an annual lung cancer screening using Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) if the patient meets the following criteria:

• they are age 55-77, and are either current smokers or have quit smoking within the last 15 years;
• they have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years); and
• they receive a written order from a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner that meets certain requirements

The treatment for lung cancer depends on the type, stage, and metastasis of the lung cancer. Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination; whereas patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) would be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.