Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Most cases are linked to smoking. Many people who qualify for screening have never been screened.

This is general information based on current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidance. The right plan for you depends on your age, health and family history, so talk with your doctor.

• Adults 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and smoke now or quit within the past 15 years: the USPSTF recommends a low-dose CT scan every year.
• A pack-year means smoking 1 pack a day for 1 year. For example, 1 pack a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years, equals 20 pack-years.
• Screening usually stops once you've been smoke-free for 15 years, or if health problems would keep you from having lung surgery.
• Deciding to screen is a shared decision. Your doctor will talk with you about the benefits and possible harms.

• Smoking, now or in the past (the biggest risk)
• Older age
• Secondhand smoke
• Radon gas in the home
• Workplace exposures such as asbestos
• Past radiation to the chest
• Family history of lung cancer
• Some lung diseases, such as COPD

Screening is for people without symptoms. If you have any of these, call us. Don't wait for your next screening.

• A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Weight loss without trying
• Repeated lung infections

• Low-dose CT scan once a year for people who qualify.
• Chest X-rays and sputum tests are not recommended for lung cancer screening.
• We don't do imaging at our office; we refer you to a trusted screening center and review the results with you.

• If you smoke, quitting is the most important step, and it's never too late. We offer smoking-cessation medicines and counseling, or you can visit smokefree.gov.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Test your home for radon.
• Bring your smoking history (years and packs per day) to your visit.

Many scans show small spots (nodules). Most are not cancer.

You may need a follow-up scan to check a spot over time. Only a few people need a biopsy.

Scans can also find other things, like heart artery calcium or emphysema, that your doctor will talk with you about.

Your primary care team at Moaddel Medical checks whether you qualify, talks through the benefits and risks with you, and refers you to a trusted lung screening center.

We review your results, arrange follow-up when needed, and support you in quitting smoking with counseling and medicines. We coordinate with pulmonology and oncology partners.

We're at 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 100, West Hills, CA 91307.