Question:
Should I get a screening CT scan of my lungs to look for lung cancer if I am smoked less than 1 pack per day for less than 30 years?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 3
Amount Saved: $700 CT scan cost
MedHead Message:
If you haven’t smoked an average of 1 pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years, the risks may outweigh the benefit of a screening CT scan of your lungs. There are many things to consider such as false positives (something that looks abnormal on the CT scan but is really okay) and radiation exposure.
References:
1. http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/ct-scans-to-find-lung-cancer-in-smokers/ 2. https://canadiantaskforce.ca/guidelines/published-guidelines/lung-cancer/ 3. https://health.costhelper.com/ct-scan.html
