08/01/2026
"I feel fine. Why should I be screened for lung cancer?"
It's one of the most common questions people ask—and one of the most important.
Lung cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, which is one reason it remains the leading cause of cancer death. Yet when it's detected early, treatment options expand and outcomes can improve dramatically. That's why screening is designed to find cancer before symptoms appear, when it is most treatable.
Despite clear clinical guidelines, only 15–20 percent of eligible Americans receive an annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening. Unlike mammograms or colonoscopies, lung cancer screening has not yet become a routine part of preventive care for many people at elevated risk.
That includes current and former smokers, as well as individuals whose occupations may have exposed them to lung carcinogens, such as firefighters, welders, construction workers, miners, and agricultural workers, who should discuss their individual risk and whether screening or other evaluation is appropriate with their healthcare provider.
On World Lung Cancer Day, we're reminded of the critical role imaging plays in detecting disease earlier—when it can make the greatest difference.
At RadNet, we're committed to expanding access to advanced imaging and supporting radiologists with AI-powered tools that combine technology and clinical expertise to support earlier, more confident detection and better-informed patient care.
To learn more about Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening, please visit: https://www.radnet.com/our-services/health-screenings/lung-ct-scan