Screening for lung cancer consists of searching for this specific cancer in individuals who present no signs or symptoms of the disease. This screening allows for the detection and treatment of lung cancer at an early stage, which greatly improves the probability of healing.
For any questions:
Lung cancer screening has been offered in seven institutions in Quebec since June 1, 2021, as part of a pilot project on lung cancer screening.
The lung cancer screening program only targets those people who present a high risk of developing this specific type of cancer. If you are not in a high-risk category, you should not undergo a screening test for lung cancer.
General eligibility criteria for the lung cancer screening program:
• Be between the ages of 55 and 74
AND
• Have smoked for at least 20 years (the years need not be continuous/sequential)
OR
• Have stopped smoking since at least 15 years and have previously smoked for at least 20 years (the years need not be continuous/sequential)
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can speak with your doctor or specialized front-line nurse practitioner to obtain a referral to the coordination center.
Should you not have access to a family doctor or be able to speak with a specialized front-line nurse practitioner but nonetheless wish to know whether you are eligible to participate in the pilot project:
The primary exam performed to screen for lung cancer is the annual low-dose computerized axial tomography (CAT scan). The tomography device used is also referred to as a scanner. To undergo this exam, you will be asked to lie down on a table, which will then be pushed into a cylindrical tube. The exam is painless, only lasts a few seconds, and does not entail the use of any contrast agent. The CT scan machine generates detailed images of the body’s organs, which enable radiologists to detect any anomalies. The low-dose computerized axial tomography only requires 10% of the X-ray dose needed by a traditional scanner.
You will be given the results of your screening test a few days after passing the exam.
Explore the Government of Québec Website to learn more about the program and obtain the list of institutions that offer this service.
Exposure to radon, asbestos, or cancer-causing chemical substances in the workplace, along with exposure to secondary smoke (generated by others, i.e., smokers) or certain genetic predispositions, are also risk factors associated with lung cancer but are not among the screening program criteria. Speak to a healthcare professional if you think you might be at risk of developing lung cancer.
For more information, call the Info-cancer Hotline at 1-800-363-0063
Our newsletter lets you know how we are taking action to better support you in the face of cancer.
See our Data and Privacy Policy.
The head office:
2075 de Champlain Street, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2T1
Phone: 514-527-2194
No charge: 1-877-336-4443
Fax machine: 514-527-1943
E-mail: [email protected]
© QCF — 2024
Web site by Parkour3.com
Help us spread even more hope the holidays. Make a donation that will be worth 2 X more* and change the lives of every patient and their family.
*Donations are doubled until December 31.
Buy your ticket for the Voyage ta vie prize draw and get
1 in 250 chance of winning
one of our 4 travel gift certificates