National Lung Cancer Screening Day

National Lung Cancer Screening Day is observed on November 14. It draws attention to screening for people who may be at higher risk of lung cancer and encourages them to talk with a health care professional about whether screening is right for them. The day also helps make information about screening easier to find.

How the day started

The exact origin of National Lung Cancer Screening Day is not well documented. The observance focuses on raising awareness of lung cancer screening and helping eligible people connect with screening services. It’s a health awareness day, not a government holiday.

What lung cancer screening involves

Screening looks for signs of lung cancer before a person has symptoms. The recommended screening test for people who meet the current eligibility guidelines is a low-dose computed tomography scan, often called a low-dose CT or LDCT. It uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs.

Screening is different from testing someone who already has symptoms. A persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or unexplained shortness of breath should be discussed with a health care professional; a person with symptoms may need diagnostic testing rather than routine screening.

In the United States, guidelines generally recommend annual LDCT screening for certain adults ages 50 to 80 who have a substantial smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Recommendations can vary, and personal health factors matter. A clinician can explain potential benefits and risks, including the possibility of a false alarm or follow-up tests. Screening decisions should be made with a qualified health care professional.

Why awareness matters

Lung cancer can be difficult to detect early because it may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Screening is intended for people at increased risk, not as a routine test for everyone. Knowing the guidelines can help people start a useful conversation with a clinician and learn what options are available nearby.

Screening is only one part of lung health. Avoiding tobacco or getting support to quit can reduce exposure to a major risk factor. People who have questions about smoking, secondhand smoke, or lung cancer risk can raise them during a medical appointment. No one needs to figure out eligibility alone; a clinician can review a person’s smoking history and overall health.

Ways to take part

• Ask a health care professional whether you meet current lung cancer screening guidelines. Bring details about your smoking history, including when you started or quit.
• If screening is recommended, ask what the LDCT appointment involves, where it can be done, and how results and follow-up care will be handled.
• Look for reliable information from a national cancer organization, public health agency, or hospital system rather than relying on a social media post or advertisement.
• Share screening information with someone who may be eligible, while letting them make their own health decisions.
• If you smoke and want to quit, ask a clinician about counseling, medication, or a quitline. Support is available, and a health professional can help identify options.

Last updated November 10, 2026.

This page is for general awareness and isn't medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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