FAQs for Physicians

The goal is to save lives. Without LDCT lung screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms, at which point the cancer may already be far advanced and much harder to treat.

LDCT lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals aged 55 to 80 years who have smoked at least an average of 1 pack a day for 20 years (20 pack years). This also includes those who still smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. Note that individuals with symptoms of lung cancer at the time of screening, such as unexplained weight loss, are not eligible.

Certain symptoms can be suggestive of lung conditions that should be evaluated and treated, if necessary, by a healthcare provider. These symptoms include fever, chest pain, a new or changing cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss. Having any of these symptoms can affect the results of lung cancer screening and may actually delay potential treatment.

Yes. If the patient is eligible, an LDCT lung cancer screening examination is recommended every year, up to the age of 80.

Studies have shown that LDCT lung cancer screening can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20% or more in patients who are at high risk.

The LDCT examination itself takes less than 10 seconds, and overall you should be done within 10 minutes. No medications are given, and no needles are used. You can eat and drink before and after the exam. You do not need to change your clothes as long as the clothes on your chest do not contain metal. You must be able to hold your breath for approximately 5 seconds while the CT examination is being performed.

We currently offer the LDCT lung cancer screening in four locations:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – East Campus
330 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA 02215

Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare – Chestnut Hill
200 Boylston St.
Newton, MA 02467

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham
148 Chestnut St.
Needham, MA 02592

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton
199 Reedsdale Rd.
Milton, MA 02186

There are several risks and limitations of LDCT lung cancer screening. These potential risks include:

• Radiation exposure : By using special techniques, the amount of radiation in LDCT lung cancer screening is small, averaging the amount of radiation a person would receive from living in the United States for 4 months.
• False positive test result and additional testing : LDCT lung cancer screening can show a “false positive” test result. The patient may need to have more tests, which will be performed only with permission of the patient and the referring physician. If the patient needs a procedure, such as a biopsy, it can have potential side effects.
• Findings not related to lung cancer: The LDCT lung cancer screening exam also captures images of body regions close to the lungs such as the heart and the upper abdomen. In a small percentage of cases, the CT examination will also detect an “incidental finding.” This finding may not be serious; however, it may need to be examined further. If applicable, the report of the examination will include precise recommendations on how these findings should be worked-up.

The report will be structured and include precise and standardized management recommendations for all relevant pulmonary and non-pulmonary findings.