While other managed screening programs are well known, managed lung cancer screening remains less familiar to many Canadians, yet it is an important and affordable way to protect your health. The Lung Health Foundation shows you how to know if screening is right for you and when it's time to talk to your healthcare provider.
TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Every year, thousands of Canadians wonder if they should be screened for lung cancer. Unlike other organized cancer screening programs that automatically send invitations or reminders when it's time to get tested, lung cancer screening works a little differently. You are not automatically invited – there are several steps to determine if you are eligible for review. The first step is to complete a risk assessment to determine whether you are eligible for screening. Once eligibility is confirmed, you will receive information about next steps and how to make an appointment.
Canada helped pioneer organized lung cancer screening programs, developing world-leading approaches to identifying those at greatest risk. But for many Canadians, the journey from asking, “Should I get tested?” the receipt of this first scan remains unclear.
“Unlike other organized cancer screening programs that have been in place for decades, lung cancer screening programs are new, and for many people the process may seem a little uncertain,” says Dr. Jessica Moffat, vice president of programs and public affairs at Lung Health FoundationCanada's largest lung health charity. “One of the biggest challenges for Canadians right now is understanding who is eligible for screening and how to get it. We want to help Canadians navigate this process.”
Programs vary by province
Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia currently have provincial lung cancer screening programs in various stages of implementation. Several other provinces are testing programs or actively planning their implementation.
Specifics, including how to access screening and the referral process, vary by province.
Understanding eligibility: a two-step process
Lung cancer screening is not for everyone. It is created for people at high risk. Getting screened through one of Canada's three organized screening programs involves two separate steps that many people are unaware of:
Step 1: Eligibility for Risk Assessment
Each province is slightly different; however, you may qualify for a risk assessment if you:
- You are between 55 and 80 years old in Ontario, or between 55 and 74 years old in British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
- Have smoked cigarettes daily for at least 20 years (not necessarily consecutive).
- You currently have no symptoms of lung cancer.
In Ontario, if you think you meet the eligibility criteria, you should talk to your primary care provider about a referral for a lung cancer risk screening assessment. You can also contact your local screening hospital directly – no referral required.
In British Columbia, you can call the BC Lung Screening Program at 1-877-717-5864 to complete your risk assessment.
In Nova Scotia, you can call the Lung Screening Program at 1-833-505-LUNG (5864) to begin the process.
Step 2: Eligibility for Screening
During the risk assessment, the screener will ask detailed questions about your health history, including smoking habits, family history, and other risk factors. Using a tool called a risk assessment calculator, they will determine whether you are eligible based on the score generated by the calculator.
“Most people don't realize there are two stages to this process,” says Dr Moffatt. “The risk assessment determines whether screening is right for you because screening is not without risk and we want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks for each person.”
What to do if you have symptoms?
This is very important: screening is only carried out for people who do not have symptoms of lung cancer.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or coughing up blood, you do not need to be tested. You urgently need to undergo diagnostics.
“Many people don't understand this distinction,” says Dr. Moffatt. “Screening detects cancer before symptoms appear. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor right away about diagnostic testing. Don't wait. And if you don't have a primary care provider, you can still go directly to a local screening site, clinic or hospital to discuss next steps. No one should delay treatment because they don't have a family doctor.”
Screening Journey: What to Expect
For those eligible for screening, the process includes:
Low dose CT: A quick and painless scan that takes less than 10 minutes. No needles, no dyes, no fasting required. You don't even need to change clothes.
Results and follow-up: A screening navigator will call you with the results and next steps. Depending on the results, you may need:
- Annual screening (if nothing suspicious is found)
- More frequent monitoring (every 6 months)
- Follow-up scan after 3 months.
- Referral for diagnostic examination
Ongoing support: Throughout the process, screening navigators help coordinate appointments, answer questions, and ensure you understand every step.
Why early detection matters
National registry data from 2019 show that about half of all lung cancer cases in Canada are diagnosed at stage 4, when treatment options are limited.
“When lung cancer is detected early in screening – stage 1 or 2 – treatment options are often less invasive and more successful. In some cases, treatment can be as simple as minor surgery followed by a short course of chemotherapy,” says Dr Moffat. “That's why screening matters. Every day matters.”
Breaking down barriers
The two biggest barriers preventing Canadians from participating in screening are stigma and access to primary health care.
Although you can self-refer for a lung cancer screening risk assessment if your assessment shows you are eligible for screening, you will still need a referral from your primary care provider to book a scan. This creates problems for those who do not have a primary care provider. In some cases, people are told after screening that they are at high risk of developing lung cancer, but they have difficulty getting the referral they need to go forward with screening.
There are also emotional barriers. Many people feel shame or stigma about their smoking and may avoid seeking help. “The psychological harm of knowing you are at high risk but not being able to get tested is real,” says Dr Moffatt. “We are working to make this process clearer and more accessible to everyone who needs it. And if you think you may qualify, talk to your doctor about it. Ask specifically about lung cancer screening programs in your province. Share your smoking history openly and without shame. The fear of finding out is understandable, but knowing early gives you options and hope.
For more information about lung cancer screening, eligibility criteria and programs in your province, visit https://lunghealth.ca/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-screening/
About the Lung Health Foundation (LHF):
The Lung Health Foundation has been working to improve the lung health of Canadians for more than 100 years. As a national leader in lung health, the Lung Health Foundation is committed to supporting and empowering people living with lung disease across Canada. Through its community initiatives, grassroots education programs, research and advocacy, LHF promotes a healthier future for all Canadians affected by lung disease and their caregivers.
Follow LHF on social media: Instagram: @lunghealthfoundation; Facebook: Lung Health Foundation/; X (formerly Twitter): @LungHealthFdn.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to speak with Dr. Jessica Moffat or a patient participating in the Managed Lung Screening Program:
CONTACT:
Rob Bailey
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 201-819-1134.
The photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31aa5649-352d-41f6-afc0-f79e2b4343bb
