Lung Cancer Awareness Month: A Focus on Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and when detected early, it can be highly treatable. Thoracic surgeons within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine are driven to raise awareness about lung cancer, with a focus on a powerful, yet underutilized tool: early screening.

“One reason lung cancer is so deadly is that the disease is usually quite advanced by the time it causes symptoms that would lead someone to go to their doctor,” says Natalie Lui, MD, Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surgery) and Director of the Lung Cancer Screening Clinic at Stanford Health Care. “Screening is key in finding lung cancer when it is still early and able to be cured.”

Lung cancer screening experts, like Dr. Lui, are committed to making lung cancer screenings more accessible and improving the way people are screened for better health outcomes.

Who Should Get Screened

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly screenings for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (CT scan) for adults who meet the following criteria:

●      Are 50 and 80 years old (50-77 for Medicare patients)

●      Have a 20-pack year smoking history

●      Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Anyone with a history of smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes (vaping), exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as radon or asbestos, or who has a family history of lung cancer or a personal history of radiation therapy to the chest, among other risks, should talk to their doctor about getting screened.

Where to Get Screened at Stanford

To schedule a lung cancer screening at Stanford Health Care, patients can call 650-736-LUNG(5864) and request a virtual or in person visit at our Stanford Lung Cancer Screening Clinic. Once eligibility is established, patients can then get screened at any Stanford Health Care imaging clinic across the Bay Area.

The Stanford Lung Cancer Screening Clinic, spearheaded by Dr. Lui and physician assistant Laura Shulda, PA-C, was launched in 2023 to provide a centralized, comprehensive program for early detection.

The Lung Cancer Screening Clinic’s services are designed to guide patients through every step of the process, including:

●      Confirming patient eligibility for screening

●      Conducting a shared decision-making virtual visit to review the risks and benefits

●      Providing smoking cessation counseling, if applicable

●      Ordering and reviewing an annual low-dose CT scan

●      Arranging appropriate follow up for any abnormal findings

●      Maintaining an open line of communication with referring providers

What to Expect During a Screening

Lung cancer screening is painless and takes less than 5 minutes. There are no needles or IVs. You lie down and enter a CT scanning machine that takes detailed images of your lungs from different angles. The Stanford screening program uses advanced screening tools that use low-dose radiation. The team provides prevention care, counseling, and referrals to lung cancer specialists as needed.

Lung cancer is highly treatable when detected early. If you meet the screening guidelines, consider making an appointment this November in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

The Stanford thoracic surgery team is involved in extensive lung cancer research and screening initiatives. Learn more about lung cancer from our thoracic surgeons.