Lung Cancer - Are You at Risk?

Knowing whether you have lung cancer risk factors is important to understanding your risk for cancer and deciding if you should get a lung screening.

Whether you are a current or former smoker, University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) can help determine if you should come in for a lung cancer screening. Our online lung health risk assessment (HRA) is a simple way to understand your health risks for lung cancer.

Start Your Lung Cancer Risk Assessment

Lung Cancer Symptoms

The most common symptoms include: 

• Chest pain
• Coughing that gets worse or doesn't go away
• Coughing up blood or sputum (spit or phlegm)
• Feeling tired all the time
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Wheezing

If you are experiencing any of the most severe symptoms, you may want to speak with a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. We can help you find a pulmonologist near you.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Secondhand smoke, breathing in smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes of others, can also increase your risk of developing the disease. Personal or family history is also a factor. 

Lung Cancer Risk Assessment

Our free, online questionnaire can help you determine if an in-office screening is necessary. Recommendations are made based on your age and smoking history. The assessment also assesses factors including:

• COPD
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Radiation therapy to the chest
• Family or personal history of smoking-related cancers
• Exposures to cancer-causing substances in the environment or workplace (such as asbestos, radon or dusts)

Generally, lung cancer screenings are recommended if:

• You are between the ages of 50 and 80
• You have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (i.e., one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
• You are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years

Your personalized assessment will identify:

• Your risk factors for lung cancer
• Next steps you should take based on those factors
• Ways you can lower your chances of getting lung cancer

If it is determined you have a high risk for lung cancer, an UMMS representative will contact you to discuss your screening options at a location convenient for you.

Start Your Lung Cancer Risk Assessment