Lung cancer screening

Finding changes before symptoms appear

Lung cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms in its earlier stages. Screening is designed for people whose smoking or tobacco history puts them at increased risk, including some people who stopped smoking years ago.

If symptoms do develop, these can include a persistent or worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, tiredness or weakness, coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum, and hoarseness or wheezing. Speak to your doctor if you notice any of these.

The screening test is a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which uses low levels of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs.

Who should consider screening

Screening is aimed at people at higher risk from smoking or other smoked tobacco. A doctor can help confirm whether it is appropriate for you.

• Aged 50 to 75
• A smoking history of 20 pack-years or more
• Currently smoke or stopped within the last 15 years
• Long-term use of shisha, dokha, medwakh, or other forms of smoked tobacco
• No low-dose CT scan of the lungs within the last 12 months

What 20 pack-years means

A 20 pack-year history could mean smoking one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years.

What happens during a low-dose CT scan

• Wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings or jewellery
• Tell your doctor about any recent lung infection
• You’ll lie flat on a table that moves into the CT scanner
• The scanner takes cross-sectional images of your lungs
• You’ll hold your breath briefly to help keep the images clear
• No needles, contrast dye, or special preparation are required
• The scan process usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes

After the scan

There is no recovery time after the scan, so you can return to your usual activities straight away. A radiologist reviews the images and sends the findings to your doctor, who will contact you within 15 working days to explain the results and any next steps.

A normal scan means there are no signs of cancer, and you’ll be advised when to return for your next routine scan, usually in a year. If an area looks suspicious, this does not necessarily mean cancer. Your doctor may recommend follow-up scans, a PET scan, or a biopsy.

Annual screening is generally recommended while you remain at high risk and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Lung cancer screening package

The Lung Cancer Screening package costs AED 925 and includes a virtual appointment with a Family Medicine doctor and a low-dose CT scan of the lungs.

Lung Cancer Screening leaflet

Download lung cancer screening leaflet | PDF | 259 KB