Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death in India. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, the country recorded approximately 81,700 new lung cancer cases and 75,000 deaths from the disease. Because early lung cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, it is often detected only after it has progressed.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can detect small lung nodules and other abnormalities before symptoms develop. For people at high risk, regular LDCT screening can help detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage and reduce lung cancer-related deaths. However, screening is not recommended for everyone. A specialist will assess factors such as age, smoking history and overall health to determine whether it is appropriate.
Why Screening is Important
Lung cancer screening is intended for people at high risk who do not have symptoms. LDCT offers several potential benefits:
Enables earlier detection: LDCT can identify small lung cancers before they cause symptoms or spread to other parts of the body.
Supports better treatment outcomes: Lung cancer detected at an earlier stage may be more amenable to potentially curative treatment.
May allow less extensive treatment: Some early-stage lung cancers may be treated with surgery or focused radiation therapy, depending on the individual’s condition.
Detects small lung nodules: LDCT can reveal abnormalities that may not be visible on a conventional chest X-ray.
Provides a basis for comparison: Regular screening allows specialists to monitor lung nodules and identify changes in their size or appearance over time.
LDCT cannot detect every lung cancer and may identify abnormalities that are not cancerous. Anyone with persistent respiratory symptoms should seek medical evaluation rather than wait for a screening appointment.
How It Works
During an LDCT scan, you lie on a table that moves through a CT scanner while detailed images of the lungs are taken. The scan is painless, does not usually require an injection or contrast dye and takes only a few minutes. It uses a lower radiation dose than a standard diagnostic chest CT. A radiologist examines the images for lung nodules or other abnormalities. Depending on the findings, you may be advised to continue annual screening, undergo a repeat scan after a shorter interval or have further investigations.
Who Should Be Screened
Patients who have chronic smoking habits (>20 packs of cigarettes a year)
People with a previous history of smoking
Previous history of lung, lymphomas, head and neck, or esophageal cancers
Friends/family of smokers who are exposed to passive smoking
Your Screening Journey at Apollo Cancer Centres
- Registration
- Consultation with pulmonologist along with PFT
- Low-Dose CT
- Specialist review
- Results and next steps
Advantages of Lung Screening at ACC
Specialist Risk Assessment
Expert Imaging and Interpretation
Coordinated Follow-up
Comprehensive Cancer Care
Smoking-Cessation Support
