Low-dose lung CT
A quick, low-radiation CT scan that finds lung cancer early in people with a significant smoking history.
TypeScan · CT
HowLie on a CT table for a few seconds.
How oftenYearly while eligible.
BeforeNo preparation.
WhoAdults 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who smoke now or quit in the last 15 years.
Finding lung cancer early in people who smoked
Lung cancer is often found late. A yearly low-dose CT for people with a significant smoking history finds it earlier, when treatment works better - and lowers deaths.
Who
“Am I eligible?”
Ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history - current, or quit within 15 years.
Eligibility
Findings
“What if they see a spot?”
Most small spots are harmless and are checked with repeat scans.
Common
Quitting
“Does it replace quitting?”
No - stopping smoking is still the biggest benefit.
Most important
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re 50–80 and have smoked about a pack a day for 20 years (or equivalent).
- You still smoke or quit within 15 years.
A better option if…
- You’ve never smoked and have no other risk - screening isn’t recommended.
How it’s measured
Low-dose CT
Yearly screening scan.
The full picture
What is it?
A low-radiation CT scan of the chest.
What type of test is it?
An imaging test.
What does it measure?
Lung nodules that could be cancer.
Why might someone consider it?
To find lung cancer early.
Who is it most relevant for?
Eligible current and former smokers.
How is it performed?
A quick CT scan.
How often might it be considered?
Yearly.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether nodules need follow-up.
What are its limitations?
False positives and incidental findings.
What should it be viewed with?
Smoking history and spirometry.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Your primary care provider can order or refer.
Screening programmes
Many health systems offer dedicated screening.
Specialist clinics
For higher-risk or follow-up testing.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Do I qualify for lung screening?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Low-dose lung CT result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Low-dose lung CT result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test