Lung Cancer Screening and Pack-Years
Who should have low-dose CT scans.
What pack-years are
Pack-years equal packs smoked per day multiplied by years smoked. A pack a day for 20 years is 20 pack-years.
Who qualifies
US guidance recommends yearly low-dose CT for adults 50 to 80 with 20 or more pack-years who smoke now or quit within 15 years.
Benefits and limits
Screening reduces lung cancer deaths but can find false alarms. The best prevention is quitting.
Try it: Pack-Years Calculator
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Pack-years25
Screening criteriaNot met
US guidelines suggest yearly low-dose CT for adults aged 50–80 with at least 20 pack-years who smoke now or quit within 15 years. Ask your clinician.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.