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Lung cancer screening is a medical test used to detect lung cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear. The goal is to find the cancer when it’s more likely to be treated successfully and before the symptoms of lung cancer develop.
Why Early Detection Matters for Lung Cancer?
Early detection matters for lung cancer because it dramatically improves the chances of survival and effective treatment. Here’s why:
In its early stages, lung cancer typically doesn’t cause symptoms.
By the time symptoms like coughing, chest pain, or weight loss appear, the cancer is often already advanced or spread (metastasized).
Early-stage lung cancer (Stage I or II) is more likely to be treated with curative intent — often through surgery, targeted therapy, or localized radiation.
In contrast, late-stage lung cancer may require more aggressive and less effective treatments, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, with lower survival rates.
The 5-year survival rate for Stage I lung cancer can be over 60–70%, depending on the type and treatment.
For Stage IV lung cancer, the 5-year survival drops dramatically, often to less than 10%.
Studies like the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) have shown that low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by 20% or more in high-risk groups.
Even if no cancer is found, screening provides reassurance and helps track any changes over time.
If nodules or abnormalities are detected, doctors can monitor or act early, before cancer becomes aggressive.
According to leading health organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society, screening is recommended for higher-risk adults who meet all of the following criteria:
Most guidelines recommend annual screening for adults between 50 and 80 years old. This is the age group at highest risk for developing lung cancer.
You must have a history of 20 pack-years or more.
What’s a pack-year? It means smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.
For example:
1 pack/day × 20 years = 20 pack-years
2 packs/day × 10 years = 20 pack-years
Even if you’ve quit smoking, you’re still at risk. Screening is recommended if you’ve quit within the last 15 years. After that, your risk drops significantly.
Lung cancer screening is not recommended for:
People under 50 or over 80 with no significant smoking history
People who quit smoking more than 15 years ago and are in good health
Individuals with serious health conditions that would prevent them from benefiting from treatment
It’s quick and painless: LDCT scans take just a few minutes.
Low radiation: Unlike a regular CT scan, LDCT uses much less radiation.
No needles or dye: It’s non-invasive.
Here’s what happens during the screening process:
Screening is only recommended for high-risk individuals, including:
Adults aged 50 to 80
With a 20 pack-year smoking history or more
Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
You lie on a table that slides in and out of a CT scanner.
The machine takes multiple X-ray images of your lungs using a low dose of radiation.
The entire scan usually takes 5 minutes or less and is completely painless.
A specialist looks for:
Lung nodules
Abnormal masses
Any changes compared to previous scans (if applicable)
You may get results within a few days, depending on the clinic.
Benign nodules are common and often just monitored with follow-up scans.
If something suspicious is found, your doctor may order further tests as next step such as:
A PET scan
Biopsy
Referral to a lung specialist
Early detection: Find lung cancer at an earlier stage before symptoms develop. At a later stage cancer might not be curable anymore.
Higher survival rates: Cancers caught early are more treatable
Quick and easy: Takes minutes, with no recovery time
False positive results: May lead to unnecessary follow-up tests
Radiation exposure: Very low dose, but still a factor over multiple years
Overdiagnosis: Finding small cancers that may not become life-threatening
That’s why it’s important to only screen those at high risk—where benefits outweigh the risks.
The NHS lung cancer screening programme and UK National Screening Committee have introduced targeted lung health check programmes across England as part of a national screening initiative. The programme is being gradually rolled out and focuses on high-risk individuals.
NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC)
Also referred to as “lung MOTs” in some areas
Those at high risk of lung cancer may be invited for a lung health check or screening test if:
Are aged 55 to 74
Are a current smoker or former smoker
Live in an area where the programme is available
Currently, not all parts of the UK are covered. The programme is being expanded in stages, prioritising areas with the highest lung cancer death rates. Consult the NHS website for further information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer-screening/ or ask your local hospital as screening might be about to be launched in your local community.
You’ll be invited for a face-to-face or phone call consultation with a nurse to assess your risk of cancer. They’ll ask about your:
Smoking history (if you do smoke please consider visiting cessation services near you)
General health and medical history
Family history of cancer
Risk factors and health problems
If you’re considered to have a higher risk of lung cancer, you’ll be referred for a low-dose CT scan at a mobile unit or hospital.
The scan:
Takes less than 10 minutes
Is painless and non-invasive
Uses much less radiation than a standard CT
Can find problems that are not cancer but are equally serious
Lung cancer often develops without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, the cancer may already be advanced. However, paying attention to subtle or persistent changes in your body could lead to earlier diagnosis and better lung cancer treatment.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, especially if they last more than three weeks, speak to your GP or healthcare provider:
A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time
Especially important if you’re a smoker or former smoker
Known as haemoptysis
Always requires immediate medical evaluation
Feeling short of breath with light activity or at rest
Could indicate a tumour blocking airways or fluid in the lungs
Especially when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing
Can feel sharp, dull, or constant
A raspy or strained voice that doesn’t improve
May signal irritation or pressure on the vocal cords
Losing weight without trying is a red flag for many types of cancer
Extreme, ongoing unexplained tiredness not relieved by rest
Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia could be caused by lung cancer blocking airways
In more advanced stages, lung cancer can cause:
Bone pain (especially in the back or hips)
Headaches
Swelling in the face or neck
Difficulty swallowing
If you notice any persistent or unusual symptoms, even if you have a known lung disease—especially if you’re over 50 and have a history of smoking—see your GP or health professional. The sooner lung cancer is caught, the better the chance of successful treatment.
Because early lung cancer often has no symptoms, those at high risk should consider lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan. In the UK, this is available through NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in certain areas. Consult the NHS England or GOV.UK website or get useful links for patients from the Cancer Research UK and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
When it comes to your lung health, experience, precision, and compassionate care matter. Mr. Marco Scarci is one of the UK’s most respected thoracic surgeons, known for his advanced techniques, patient-centred approach, and leadership in lung cancer and minimally invasive chest surgery.
If you’re facing a lung condition—or want the best possible cancer care for early diagnosis—here’s why Mr. Scarci should be your first choice.
Mr. Scarci is a consultant thoracic surgeon with international training and a global reputation. His areas of expertise include:
Lung cancer diagnosis and surgery
Minimally invasive (VATS) thoracic surgery
Pleural disease
Complex chest wall conditions
Surgical and endoscopic treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
He has contributed to numerous clinical guidelines, research papers, and surgical innovations, making him a thought leader in his field.
Mr. Scarci holds an NHS consultant position at a leading London hospital and also treats patients privately. His work spans both public and private healthcare, ensuring a broad range of experience and access to the latest technology and treatments.
Whenever possible, Mr. Scarci uses VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) — a keyhole surgical technique that results in:
Smaller incisions
Faster recovery
Less pain
Shorter hospital stays
This approach is ideal for many lung cancer patients, offering effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Mr. Scarci is known for his compassionate bedside manner and commitment to clear, honest communication. He takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs and ensures they feel supported every step of the way — from diagnosis to recovery.
Patients consistently praise Mr. Scarci for his professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. He maintains a high patient satisfaction rate, with many sharing stories of how he made a difficult journey easier to face.
Mr. Scarci sees patients at several top-rated hospitals and clinics in London and the surrounding area, offering:
Short waiting times
Easy access to diagnostics and imaging
Seamless coordination with multidisciplinary teams
For high-risk individuals, early detection is crucial. Mr. Scarci is actively involved in lung cancer screening and lung health checks, helping patients catch disease early—when it’s most treatable.
Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, considering lung cancer surgery, or exploring screening options, Mr. Marco Scarci offers unmatched expertise, care, and outcomes. His dedication to patient wellbeing and surgical excellence makes him one of the top choices for lung health in the UK and beyond.
