Patient Information
About Lung Cancer Screening
Early detection saves lives. Learn how low-dose CT screening can catch lung cancer before symptoms appear.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but when caught early, survival rates improve dramatically. Golden Gate Radiology offers low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk — a quick, painless exam that could save your life.
Why Early Detection Matters
Most lung cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are more limited. Low-dose CT screening can detect small nodules and early-stage cancers before any symptoms develop, giving patients the best chance of successful treatment. Studies show that LDCT screening reduces lung cancer mortality by up to 20% in high-risk individuals.
Who Should Be Screened?
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual low-dose CT screening for adults who meet all of the following criteria:
- Age 50 to 80 years old
- Current smoker, or quit within the past 15 years
- A smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (e.g. one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years)
If you are unsure whether you qualify, speak with your primary care physician. They can assess your individual risk and provide a referral.
What to Expect During the Exam
No Preparation Required
You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before your lung cancer screening.
Quick and Painless
The scan takes less than 10 minutes. You will lie on a table while the CT scanner takes detailed images of your chest. No injections or contrast dye are used.
Low Radiation Dose
The low-dose CT uses significantly less radiation than a standard CT scan — roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation you receive over six months.
Results to Your Doctor
Your results will be reviewed by one of our board-certified radiologists and sent to your referring physician, typically within 24–48 hours.
Understanding the Risks
As with any screening test, there are potential risks to consider. LDCT may detect nodules that turn out to be benign, which can lead to additional testing. There is also a small amount of radiation exposure. Your physician can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your personal health history.
Referring a Patient
To refer a patient for lung cancer screening, please send a completed referral and relevant clinical history to our office. We accept referrals by fax or through your hospital's referral system.
Phone
(415) 982-2100Fax
(415) 982-2101Please ensure the referral includes the patient's smoking history and confirmation that they meet USPSTF eligibility criteria.