Why are Lung Health and Lung Cancer Screening Important?

Lung cancer is one of the common cancers in HK (according to the HK Cancer Registry). As early-stage lung cancer may not present with obvious symptoms, people at high risk may wish to consider lung cancer screening to identify, at an early stage, any lung abnormalities — such as lung nodules or suspicious shadows — that require further assessment.

This plan features Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) of the chest as its key lung cancer screening component, helping to detect small lung nodules, abnormalities, shadows, or other findings that may require further assessment.

Compared with a standard chest X-ray, LDCT provides a more detailed evaluation of lung structures. The examination does not require contrast injection and involves a lower radiation dose than a conventional chest CT scan.

This plan also includes cancer marker testing associated with lung cancer risk, metabolic health screening (blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol assessment), blood tests, and a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) to help assess both lung health and overall health risks.

The following individuals may wish to consider lung health and lung cancer screening:

• Current smokers
• Individuals who have quit smoking within the past 10 years
• Individuals with prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke
• Individuals with a family history of lung cancer or other related cancers
• Individuals who are concerned about their lung health or wish to monitor their overall health regularly

If you experience a persistent cough, blood in your phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss, it is advisable to seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity to assess whether further investigations are required.

This plan focuses on low dose CT thorax (plain) for the screening, combines with related cancer markers, blood tests, screening for metabolic syndrome (the “3 highs”) , cardiac health check and pre- and post-consultations with family medicine specialist, to provide a comprehensive assessment based on imaging, physical indicators and health risks.

* Liver function test includes: Protein, Total, Albumin, Globulin, Albumin / Globulin Ratio, Bilirubin, Total & Direct, Gamma GT, Alkaline Phosphatase, SGOT/AST, SGPT/ALT.

** Renal function test includes: Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine.

After completing the lung health and lung cancer screening, a Family Medicine Specialist will review and explain your test results and provide appropriate follow-up recommendations based on factors such as your medical history, smoking history, family history, and imaging findings.

If the Low-Dose CT Thorax scan identifies lung nodules, lung shadows, or other abnormalities, the doctor will assess whether regular surveillance, further imaging investigations, or specialist referral is required, taking into account the size, appearance, location of the findings, and your individual risk factors.

Cancer marker testing serves as a supplementary assessment tool and cannot be used alone to diagnose or exclude lung cancer. If any abnormal results are detected, the doctor will interpret them together with imaging findings, medical history, and other investigation results before providing further recommendations.

Low-dose CT Thorax provides a more detailed assessment of the lungs and can help detect small lung nodules, tumours, or suspicious abnormalities. It is capable of identifying tumours as small as 1–2 mm, offering greater sensitivity for early detection compared with a standard chest X-ray.

The examination does not require the injection of contrast media, and the radiation exposure is approximately one-third of that associated with a conventional chest CT scan.

It is important to note that while lung cancer screening can help identify abnormalities that may require further evaluation, a single screening examination cannot be used to definitively diagnose or completely exclude lung cancer. Accurate interpretation of screening results should be made by a doctor after considering the findings together with the patient's medical history, risk factors, and any additional investigations that may be required.