Lung Cancer Screening and Detection

A nurse listens to a senior man's heart and lungs

Detect Lung Cancer Early

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, responsible for more than 1.6 million deaths annually.

Early detection through lung cancer screening offers the best opportunity to identify the disease at an early stage, when outcomes are significantly improved. CHRISTUS Health follows evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to our communities.

 

Lung Screening

Lung screenings can detect lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If you have a family history of lung cancer or a history of smoking, fill out this form, and a CHRISTUS representative will reach out via phone or email within 1-2 business days.

What You Can Expect

When you undergo lung cancer screening at CHRISTUS Health, the typical process for a lung cancer screening will be:

  1. You will undergo a low-dose CT scan, which is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure.
  2. The images will be reviewed by specialized radiologists.
  3. If an abnormality is detected, you will be guided through the next steps, which may include additional imaging or referral to lung specialists.
  4. Your team will also provide resources and support for smoking cessation, as stopping smoking significantly improves overall health, even years after quitting.

Results After Lung Cancer Screening

The benefit of lung cancer screening lies in detecting cancers earlier, when treatment is more effective and survival rates are higher.

At CHRISTUS Health, we are committed not only to early detection but also to supporting our patients in reducing their risk through education, prevention, and cessation programs. Screening is a powerful tool, but it works best when paired with proactive steps to eliminate tobacco use.

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

You should get a screening for lung cancer if you are at high risk. According to expert consensus and national guidelines, this typically includes:

  • Adults aged 50 to 80 years
  • Those with a 20 pack-year smoking history (equivalent to smoking a pack a day for 20 years
  • Current smokers or individuals who quit within the past 15 years

If you are in one of these high-risk groups, the recommendation for lung cancer screening is a low-dose computed tomography, or LDCT.

Risks of Screening

Low-dose CT scans are a powerful tool for detecting lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Like any medical test, they may show findings that aren’t cancer, which sometimes lead to follow-up tests. But the screening itself is quick, noninvasive, and involves only a small amount of radiation.

The real risk? Not getting screened when you’re at high risk.

CHRISTUS Health specialists review your results, explain what they mean, and guide you through the next steps if needed, so you aren't left wondering what comes next.

Screening is one of the best ways to catch lung cancer early and protect your health.

What Causes Lung Cancer

Throughout the world, most lung cancer is attributed to smoking. Cigarette smoking is thought to be the cause of 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers.

Even if you've never smoked, you may be affected due to exposure to secondhand smoke or environmental factors.

It is important to emphasize that prevention, rather than screening, is the most effective strategy for reducing lung cancer in the long term. At CHRISTUS Health, we strongly encourage and support smoking cessation for all patients, as this remains the single most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk.

Learn if You Are at Risk of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths and one of the most preventable. To find out your risk, take the CHRISTUS Health lung cancer assessment.

Assess My Risk

Lung Cancer Screening at CHRISTUS Health

At CHRISTUS Health, lung cancer screening is part of a compassionate, coordinated care experience. We follow national guidelines and use advanced low-dose CT technology to detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialized radiologists and lung experts who guide you through your results and next steps. In some locations, nurse navigators are also available to help with scheduling and support. From personalized risk assessments to same-day diagnostics and smoking cessation resources, CHRISTUS makes it easier to take control of your health with confidence and clarity.