Lung cancer screening
Eligibility criteria and referral steps for low-dose CT screening.
Last reviewed January 4, 2026
- Who to screen
- Adults ages 55-74 with 30 or more pack-years who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Do not use this pathway for symptoms suggestive of lung cancer.
- Test and interval
- Annual low-dose CT for up to 3 consecutive years. Screening should occur only within organized programs with expertise in LDCT interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Do not screen
- Avoid chest X-ray for screening and do not screen those outside eligibility criteria.
- Follow-up
- Document pack-year history, smoking status, and referral outcome. Provide smoking cessation support at every visit.
References
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