Lung cancer

Participating in the lung cancer screening program

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to participate in the screening program, you may:

• speak with your physician or your nurse practitioner (NP). This person will forward your request to the Regional Service Coordination Centre (CCSR) for your area.
  OR

• contact the Regional Service Coordination Centre (CCSR) directly by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-844-656-4312.

Please note that this option is available even if you don’t have a family doctor.

Even if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may not necessarily be eligible for the screening program. A staff member from the Regional Service Coordination Centre (CCSR) will first ask you questions to ensure the screening is appropriate for your situation.

Visit the Government of Québec website to learn more about the lung cancer screening program.

Here is a tool to help you make a decision about lung cancer screening:
Lung Cancer Screening Project Decision aid tool.

Screening tests

The main test used for lung cancer screening is an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. The CT scanner is sometimes simply called a “scanner”. For this test, you will lie on a table that slides into a cylindrical machine. The exam is not painful, takes only a few minutes, and does not require contrast dye. The CT scanner produces detailed images of the organs in the body, which makes it possible to detect abnormalities. A low-dose CT uses only about 10% of the radiation of a standard CT scan.

You will receive your results a few days after the exam.

• If the radiologist detects abnormalities or has concerns when reviewing the images, the result is considered abnormal and additional tests may be recommended.
• 
  If the radiologist detects no abnormalities, the result is considered normal.

Exposure to radon, asbestos or carcinogenic chemicals in the workplace, as well as second-hand smoke (being exposed to other people’s smoke) or certain genetic predispositions, are also risk factors for lung cancer; however, they are not included in the screening program criteria. If you think you may be at risk of developing lung cancer, speak with a healthcare professional.