‘Do I Qualify for Lung Cancer Screening?’: Understanding Your Path to Early Detection Could Save Your Life

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Step 2: Qualifying for Screening 

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During your risk assessment, a screening navigator will ask detailed questions about your health history, including smoking patterns, family history, and other risk factors. Using a tool called a risk assessment calculator, they’ll determine if you are eligible based on the score generated by the calculator.

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“Most people don’t realize there are two stages to this process,” says Dr. Moffatt. “The risk assessment determines whether screening is right for you – because screening isn’t risk-free, and we want to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks for each individual.”

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What If You Have Symptoms? 

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This is crucial: screening is only for people who do not have symptoms of lung cancer.

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If you’re experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or coughing up blood, you don’t need screening. You need a diagnostic testing immediately. 

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“That’s the distinction many people don’t understand,” Dr. Moffatt reveals. “Screening looks for cancer before symptoms appear. If you have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away about diagnostic testing. Don’t wait. And if you don’t have a primary care provider, you can still reach out directly to your local screening site, walk-in clinic or hospital to discuss next steps. No one should delay care because they don’t have a family doctor.”

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The Screening Journey: What to Expect  

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For those who qualify for screening, the process involves: 

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Low-dose CT scans: Quick, painless scans that take less than 10 minutes. No needles, no dye, no fasting required. You don’t even need to change your clothes.

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Results and Follow-Up: A screening navigator will call you with results and next steps. Depending on findings, you may need:

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Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, screening navigators help coordinate appointments, answer questions, and ensure you understand each step.

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Why Early Detection Matters

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National registry data from 2019 shows that about half of all lung cancers are diagnosed at stage 4 in Canada, when treatment options are limited.

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“When lung cancer is caught early through screening — at stage 1 or 2 — treatment options are often less invasive and more successful. In some cases, treatment may be as straightforward as a minor surgery followed by a short course of chemotherapy. says Dr. Moffatt. “That’s why screening matters. Each day matters.”

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Breaking Down Barriers

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Two of the biggest barriers preventing eligible Canadians from accessing screening are stigma and access to primary care.

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While you can self-refer for a lung cancer screening risk assessment, if your assessment shows that you’re eligible for screening, a referral from a primary care provider is still required before your scan can be booked. This creates challenges for those who don’t have a primary care provider. In some cases, individuals are told they are at high risk for lung cancer after their assessment but struggle to obtain the referral needed to move forward with screening.

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There are also emotional barriers. Many people feel ashamed or stigmatized about their smoking history and may avoid seeking help. “The psychological harm of knowing you’re at high risk but not being able to access screening is real,” notes Dr. Moffatt. “We’re working to make this process clearer and more accessible for everyone who needs it. And if you think you might qualify, have that conversation with your healthcare provider. Ask specifically about lung cancer screening programs in your province. Share your smoking history openly without shame. The fear of finding something is understandable, but knowing early gives you options and hope.