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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about lung cancer, understand the factors that can increase risk, and highlight the importance of early detection. Because lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, knowing when to consider screening can be an important step in protecting your health.

At Akumin, we recognize the role diagnostic imaging plays in helping physicians evaluate potential health concerns and guide patient care. Understanding your risk factors and discussing screening with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your lung health.

Understanding Lung Cancer and Its Risk Factors

Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. Although smoking is the leading risk factor, lung cancer can also affect people who have never smoked.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing lung cancer, including:

• Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
• Secondhand smoke: Regular exposure to other people’s tobacco smoke can increase risk.
• Radon exposure: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a major cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked
• Environmental and occupational exposures: Certain workplace substances and environmental pollutants may contribute to risk.
• Age and family history: Lung cancer risk generally increases with age, and personal or family history may be relevant when assessing individual risk.

Understanding these factors can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about your lung health and whether screening may be appropriate.

Recognizing Potential Signs and Symptoms

Lung cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• A persistent cough or a cough that worsens over time
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Recurrent respiratory infections, including pneumonia

These symptoms can have many causes and do not necessarily indicate lung cancer. However, persistent or concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Diagnostic evaluation for symptoms is different from routine screening for people who do not have symptoms.

Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?

Lung cancer screening is designed to identify potential cancer before symptoms develop in people who are at increased risk.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for adults who meet all of the following criteria:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years
• Currently smoke or quit smoking within the past 15 years

A pack-year represents smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, smoking one pack daily for 20 years equals 20 pack-years.

Screening recommendations may differ depending on individual circumstances and the guidance followed by a healthcare provider. People should discuss their smoking history, overall health, and potential benefits and risks of screening with their provider.

How Low-Dose CT Supports Lung Cancer Screening

Low-dose computed tomography, commonly called low-dose CT or LDCT, is the recommended imaging method for lung cancer screening in eligible adults.

The scan uses a relatively low dose of X-ray radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. It can identify small lung nodules and other abnormalities that may not be visible on a standard chest X-ray.

Low-dose CT screening can help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective. However, not every lung nodule is cancerous, and some findings may require additional imaging or testing.

As with any screening procedure, LDCT has potential limitations, including false-positive results, follow-up testing, and radiation exposure. A healthcare provider can help determine whether screening is appropriate based on a patient’s individual risk.

Screening and Diagnostic Imaging: What’s the Difference?

Although both involve medical imaging, screening and diagnostic imaging serve different purposes.

Screening imaging is performed in people who do not have symptoms but meet established criteria for lung cancer screening. Its goal is to identify potential cancer before symptoms appear.

Diagnostic imaging is used to evaluate symptoms, investigate abnormal screening results, or assess other clinical concerns. Depending on the findings, a physician may recommend additional imaging, such as a diagnostic CT scan, to further evaluate suspicious areas. PET/CT may also be used in certain cases to help assess the extent of a known or suspected cancer, support staging, and guide treatment planning.

The appropriate imaging approach depends on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and clinical needs.

What to Expect During a Low-Dose CT Scan

For many patients, a low-dose CT lung cancer screening is a quick, noninvasive procedure.

During the examination, you will lie on a scanning table while the CT scanner captures detailed images of your lungs. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly to help produce clear images. The scan typically takes only a few minutes and generally does not require an injection or incision.

A radiologist reviews the images and provides a report to the referring healthcare provider. If the scan reveals a finding that requires further attention, your provider will explain the recommended next steps, which may include follow-up imaging or additional evaluation.

How Akumin Supports Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging is an important part of evaluating potential health concerns and supporting clinical decision-making. Akumin provides imaging services, including CT and PET/CT, that may be used in the evaluation and management of lung cancer when clinically indicated.

Through advanced imaging technology and a patient-centered approach, Akumin works to support patients and referring providers throughout the diagnostic process.

Patients should confirm screening availability and referral requirements with their healthcare provider and their local Akumin imaging center.

Make Lung Health a Priority This November

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about lung cancer, understand your risk, and take a proactive approach to your health.

If you currently smoke or have smoked heavily in the past, talk with your healthcare provider about whether annual low-dose CT screening is right for you. If you are experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

Taking the time to understand your risk and discuss appropriate screening options can be an important step toward better lung health.

Learn more about Akumin’s imaging services or find a clinic location near you.