Addressing Lung Cancer Concerns: When to Get Your Next LDCT Scan

Many questions?

Hello, Dr.
Chen, who is extremely patient.
I have a 55-year-old female elder at home with no history of smoking.
She used to work at a hospital's front desk.
There is a family history of lung cancer within the third degree of kinship.
She has undergone one LDCT scan, and it has been three years since the last one.
Should she return to the same hospital for the follow-up examination, or is it acceptable to go to a different facility? Can she also opt for a self-paid health check LDCT? Is the screening more effective for those aged 60 to 75 because older individuals tend to have poorer lung conditions? Does the 55-year-old elder need to wait until the recommended age of 60 to get screened? I am really worried and scared, especially since a family member has been diagnosed with lung cancer, which is indeed very aggressive and terrifying.
Thank you for always patiently answering so many questions.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/26

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Anonymous / 25 years old / Female
1.
The elder in my family is a 55-year-old female with no smoking history.
She had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan three years ago.
Should she return to the same hospital for the follow-up examination, or is it acceptable to go to a different hospital? Can she also opt for a self-paid health check LDCT?
A: In theory, it is possible to go to a different hospital, but if she returns to the same hospital, they will have the previous images for comparison in case there are any issues.
2.
Is the effectiveness of screening for ages 60-75 due to poorer lung conditions associated with older age?
A: This is related to the statistical data on cancer incidence in Taiwan, where the average age for lung cancer diagnosis is between 65-70 years.
However, about one-fifth of lung cancer cases occur in individuals under 55 years old, with a roughly equal ratio of females to males in this age group.
3.
Does the 55-year-old elder need to wait until the recommended age of 60 to undergo screening?
A: This is difficult to determine.
She could have a chest X-ray annually and also consider the judgment of a pulmonologist.
Wishing you good health and a Happy New Year.
Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Sih-Rong.

Reply Date: 2020/12/26

More Info

Dear Concerned Family Member,
Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding lung cancer screening and the appropriate timing for your loved one's next LDCT (Low-Dose Computed Tomography) scan. I understand that this is a sensitive topic, especially given your family's history with lung cancer, and I appreciate your patience as we navigate these concerns.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that LDCT is a valuable tool for lung cancer screening, particularly for individuals at higher risk. The general guidelines suggest that individuals aged 50 to 80 years with a significant smoking history (30 pack-years or more) should undergo annual LDCT screening. However, in your case, your family member is 55 years old and has no smoking history, which places her in a different risk category.

Given her age and the family history of lung cancer, it is reasonable to consider LDCT screening sooner rather than later. While the guidelines emphasize the age range of 60 to 75 years for the most cost-effective screening, this does not mean that individuals outside this range should not be screened, especially if there are other risk factors present, such as family history. The presence of lung cancer in close relatives can increase the risk for other family members, and it is prudent to be vigilant.

Regarding the timing of the next LDCT scan, since it has been three years since the last one, it would be advisable to schedule another scan. While it is not strictly necessary to return to the same facility for the scan, it can be beneficial to do so if they have your previous records, as this allows for better comparison of results over time. However, if there are other facilities that offer LDCT screening and are convenient, they can also be considered.

As for the concern about waiting until 60 years of age to begin screening, it is important to remember that early detection can significantly improve outcomes in lung cancer treatment. If there are any symptoms present, such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or any other respiratory issues, these should be addressed immediately with a healthcare provider, regardless of the timing of the LDCT.

In summary, I recommend that your family member undergo another LDCT scan sooner rather than later, given her family history and the elapsed time since her last scan. It is essential to maintain open communication with her healthcare provider about her concerns and to discuss the best approach for her specific situation. Regular monitoring and early detection are key components in managing lung cancer risk effectively.

I understand how distressing it can be to navigate these health concerns, especially with a family history of lung cancer. Please remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support systems available to help you and your family. If you have any further questions or need additional information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you and your family health and peace of mind.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lung Health: Addressing Concerns About Smoking and LDCT Results

Hello Dr. Shen, I am 29 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. I have been wanting to quit smoking for many years but have not been able to. I have been smoking for less than 9 years and tend to feel anxious about my health. On June 2, 2022, and December 22, 2023, I...

Dr. Shen Bochan reply Pulmonology
Hello: Yes, please take care of yourself and live well. Life is tough, and I can empathize with your struggles. Let go of your burdens and try to enjoy life.

Should I Discuss LDCT with My Doctor After Lung X-Ray Results?

Hello Doctor, I hope it's not too presumptuous of me to ask about my two chest X-ray results. I am unable to understand whether there has been any improvement from the symptoms in 2019 to 2020, and therefore, I am unsure if I need to discuss with my attending physician about...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: Previously, there were no signs of recurrence at the primary site after early treatment and subsequent follow-up of the tumor. It is unlikely that there will be sudden distant metastasis. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist to assess whether the small nodules in t...

Should You Repeat LDCT for Lung Nodules? Key Considerations

Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I underwent a health check at a health examination center, during which a digital tomosynthesis of the chest revealed a 0.5 cm nodule in the right lower lobe of my lung. The health examination center recommended that I follow up with a pulmonologist. ...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: LDCT will not have issues with insufficient lung inflation that could lead to missing nodules. If you are still concerned, you may consider undergoing an additional LDCT scan at your own expense!

Should I Get an LDCT Scan for Chest Pain and Discomfort?

Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old and have no family history of lung cancer. This year, I have experienced intermittent chest tightness, chest pain, tenderness on the sides of the sternum, occasional mild coughing, and a persistent sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I have h...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Sonic: Do you have a history of smoking? Based on your description, a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan does not seem to be the first recommended option. It would be advisable to first conduct pulmonary function tests and autonomic nervous system evaluations, as the s...