Lung Cancer Screening

Early Detection, Clear Answers, and Coordinated Treatment

More people in the United States die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. The good news? For individuals at high risk, lung cancer screening with low‑dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by detecting growths before symptoms appear.

Screening is most effective when offered to people who meet specific risk criteria and do not yet have symptoms. At Community Care, our specialists help you understand your eligibility, walk you through the screening process, and connect you with diagnosis and care if needed.

Why Screening Matters

Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its earliest stages. For people at high risk, annual LDCT screening can detect suspicious areas early when treatment options are more effective and survival outcomes improve.

Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening with LDCT is recommended for adults at highest risk — those most likely to benefit from early detection. Current evidence and expert guidelines suggest screening for people who:

  • Are 50 to 80 years old
  • Have a history of at least a 20 pack‑year smoking history (for example, 1 pack per day for 20 years, or 2 packs per day for 10 years)
  • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Before screening, your provider will discuss your risk, the potential benefits, limitations, and possible harms of screening — including false positives and radiation exposure — so you can make an informed decision together.

What is Low Dose CT (LDCT)?

LDCT lung cancer screening is an x-ray exam that uses a LDCT scanner to acquire detailed images of the lungs. The LDCT images demonstrate pathology as small as a few millimeters in size. This exam will benefit patients that are at high risk for lung cancer and can also provide information to their physicians about cardiovascular disease and other lung diseases. The screening will benefit 55-74 year old asymptomatic smokers and former smokers.

LDCT lung cancer screening uses low dose radiation, so you will need a referral from your primary care physician to undergo the screening. Rest assured, the amount of radiation from the screening is minimal – comparable to the average background radiation one gets in a year of living around Albany, NY. Your primary care physician will review your smoking history to see if you are eligible for the screening. The entire examination takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. The LDCT exam uses x-rays to produce images of the entire chest in less than 10 seconds.

Screening Locations

ImageCare Medical Imaging was one of the first in the area to launch a lung cancer screening program using LDCT scans, after the findings from the 2011 study. The specially trained thoracic radiologists at ImageCare Medical Imaging can provide patients with guidance through diagnostic evaluation, long term follow-up and, if needed, guidance on treatment. Lung cancer screening can be obtained at ImageCare Balltown, Clifton Park, Guilderland, and Latham.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If something suspicious is detected on your LDCT scan, your doctor will recommend additional testing to determine whether cancer is present. Further evaluation may include:

  • Advanced imaging such as CT scan, MRI, or PET/CT scans
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Surgical or needle biopsy

These tests help determine if an area is cancerous, how far disease may have spread, and aid in planning treatment. Our specialists take time to explain each step, answer your questions, and connect you with support services as desired.

When lung cancer is found early — before it has spread — treatment options and survival rates are generally better. At Community Care, we offer a range of advanced lung cancer treatments, tailored to your specific situation:

  • Surgery, including lobectomy or pneumonectomy
  • Radiation oncology, with dynamic targeting technology
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiofrequency ablation

Our multidisciplinary team works together to create a personalized plan in a comfortable setting. We encourage you to speak with our team to explore your options and understand what to expect.