Lung Cancer Screening at Mediclinic

Early Detection Saves Lives

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths around the world. One reason for this is that it often grows quietly, without any signs or symptoms, until it has already spread. But there is a way to get ahead of it. Screening allows us to detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective and the chances of recovery are much higher.

Many people who are eligible for screening don’t realise they are at risk. If you’ve smoked for a long time, or even if you quit over a decade ago, you may still be at risk of developing lung cancer. Regular screening can give you peace of mind or catch cancer before it spreads.

Who should get screened?

You should consider screening if you:

• Are aged between 50 and 75
• Have a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more (that’s one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years)Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
• Long-term users of shisha, dokha, medwakh, or other forms of smoked tobacco

Even if you’ve quit smoking, damage to the lungs can persist for years. A consultation with your Doctor can help you determine whether screening is right for you.

Are you eligible for screening?

You are likely eligible if:

• You fall within the 50–75 age range
• You have a significant history of smoking or tobacco use
• You haven’t had a Low-Dose CT scan of your lungs in the last 12 months

We recommend a screening check-in each year for those who meet the criteria. It’s a simple step that can have life-saving outcomes.

What does the screening involve?

The screening test is a Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan. Here’s what makes it effective:

• It uses low levels of radiation to create highly detailed images of the lungs
• It’s more effective than chest X-rays at spotting early changes
• It’s painless, non-invasive, and usually over in less than 15 minutes

How to book your screening

Simply call 800 2033. Our team will review your eligibility and help book an appointment at a Mediclinic facility near you.

What happens during the scan?

• You’ll lie flat on a table that slides into the CT scanner, a large, circular machine
• The scanner moves around your chest, taking cross-sectional images of your lungs
• You’ll be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to improve image clarity
• No needles, contrast dye, or special prep is needed

The entire process takes around 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

After the scan

There’s no recovery time needed – you can go about your day as usual. A radiologist will review the images and send the findings to your Doctor, who will contact you within 15 working days to explain the results and any next steps.

Possible outcomes

• Normal scan: No signs of cancer. You’ll be advised when to return for your next routine scan (usually in a year)
• Suspicious findings: Not all abnormalities are cancer. Your doctor may suggest follow-up scans, a PET scan, or possibly a biopsy to investigate further

How often should I be screened?

If you remain at high risk and meet the eligibility criteria, annual screening is generally recommended. This allows your doctor to monitor any changes and catch problems early.

Early detection saves lives – Book a consultation today using the Mediclinic app or request a call back by filling in the form.