Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT in Mohali: Smokers must read this

Introduction

Lung cancer remains one of the most serious health threats worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in many countries. For people who smoke or have smoked, the risk is considerably higher than for never-smokers. The good news is that early detection through lung cancer screening can identify disease when it is more treatable, dramatically improving outcomes. This article is written for smokers, former smokers and their families in Mohali and the wider Punjab region who want clear, practical guidance about lung cancer screening Mohali using low-dose CT (LDCT).

We will explain what LDCT is, who should be screened, how the test is performed at Livasa Mohali, costs and comparisons with other tests, the pathway after an abnormal result, and how to book your appointment. Where relevant, we include global and local data to help you understand why screening matters. If you are searching for “low-dose CT scan Mohali”, “smoker checkup Mohali” or “where to get low dose CT in Mohali”, this guide is tailored to you.

What is low-dose CT lung screening?

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a specialised CT scan of the chest that uses a reduced level of radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs and surrounding structures. Unlike a standard diagnostic CT which uses higher radiation for detailed characterisation, LDCT is optimised for screening: it balances high-resolution imaging of lung tissue with a much lower radiation dose, making it suitable for screening asymptomatic high-risk people — particularly smokers and ex-smokers.

The LDCT scan takes only a few minutes. You lie on a table and hold your breath briefly while the scanner takes a series of cross-sectional images. These images are reconstructed into thin slices and reviewed by an experienced radiologist. The test is non-invasive, painless and does not require intravenous contrast for routine screening. LDCT is specifically designed to detect small nodules or early changes that are not visible on a chest X-ray. Finding nodules at an early stage allows for timely follow-up, diagnostic testing and treatment that can be curative.

Radiation exposure from a single LDCT is small — often comparable to a few months of natural background radiation — but still meaningful when done repeatedly. That is why screening is limited to people at higher risk and is done with careful protocols. At Livasa Mohali we follow best-practice protocols for radiation dose reduction and image quality, and reporting is performed by chest imaging specialists. If you are concerned about radiation you can discuss the benefits and harms with our team when you call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals lung cancer screening Mohali.

Who should get screened: eligibility and guidelines

Screening is not for everyone. International guidelines (for example, the United States Preventive Services Task Force and multiple international lung screening trials) recommend LDCT for people who have a significant history of smoking and are within a specific age range. Eligibility is based on balancing the benefits of detecting early lung cancer against the potential harms of false positives, unnecessary procedures and radiation.

Typical eligibility criteria used globally — and commonly adapted by centres in India including Livasa Mohali — include:

• Age generally between 50–80 years (guidelines vary; some recommend starting at 55).
• A history of heavy smoking, often defined as a cumulative exposure of at least 20–30 pack-years (a pack-year = smoking one pack per day for one year).
• Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years.
• No symptoms suggestive of lung cancer (screening is for asymptomatic individuals).

In Mohali and Punjab, local clinicians may individualise criteria for people with high occupational exposures (e.g., asbestos), strong family history, or other risk factors. Smoker checkup Mohali services at Livasa Mohali include a detailed risk assessment that looks beyond age and pack-years — including medical history, comorbidities and ability to undergo potential treatments — to determine if LDCT screening is appropriate.

If you are asking “do smokers need lung cancer screening Mohali?” the short answer for eligible individuals is yes: LDCT screening is proven to reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk groups. However, it is important to undergo screening within a structured programme that includes counselling on smoking cessation, shared decision-making, and a plan for handling abnormal findings. Call +91 80788 80788 or book low-dose CT scan Mohali to speak with our lung screening coordinator.

Why early detection matters: evidence and outcomes

The primary goal of lung cancer screening is to reduce deaths from lung cancer by detecting disease when it is small and potentially curable. Randomised clinical trials have demonstrated that LDCT screening reduces lung cancer mortality compared with chest X-ray or no screening. The landmark National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) in the United States showed a roughly 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths among high-risk individuals screened with LDCT.

Globally, lung cancer accounts for a substantial share of cancer mortality. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, there were approximately 2.2 million new lung cancer cases and 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2020. Early-stage lung cancer (stage I) treated with surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy has much higher long-term survival than late-stage disease. Detecting small nodules means more treatment options that may be curative, including limited resection or minimally invasive surgery.

Screening programmes also provide additional benefits:

• Smoking cessation integration: screening visits are ideal moments to offer support and treatment to quit smoking, which further reduces your cancer risk.
• Risk factor management: cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities can be identified and optimised.
• Structured follow-up: established protocols reduce unnecessary tests and ensure timely biopsy or treatment for suspicious findings.

At Livasa Mohali, our lung cancer screening programme follows evidence-based protocols and multidisciplinary review — radiology, pulmonology, thoracic surgery and oncology — to ensure that those who benefit most receive appropriate care. If you are in Punjab and searching for “early detection lung cancer Punjab” or “LDCT lung screening Mohali”, our programme aims to offer the same standards demonstrated in clinical trials, adapted to local needs.

How the LDCT process works at Livasa Mohali: preparation, scan and reporting

If you decide to undergo LDCT lung screening at Livasa Hospitals (Livasa Mohali), here is what to expect from the booking to the report. We focus on making the process efficient, comfortable and informative.

Booking and pre-assessment:

• Call +91 80788 80788 or book online for a convenient appointment slot.
• A nurse or coordinator will complete a risk questionnaire: age, smoking history (pack-years), symptoms, prior imaging, comorbidities and medications.
• You will receive instructions about clothing, removing metal and fasting (usually not required for LDCT).

On the day of the scan:

• Arrive 15–20 minutes before your slot. The scan itself usually takes under 10 minutes.
• You will lie supine on the CT table and be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while images are captured.
• No contrast agent is typically used for screening LDCT; however, additional tests may be recommended if abnormalities are found.

Reporting and follow-up:

Images are processed and reviewed by chest imaging radiologists at Livasa Mohali. Reports follow structured reporting templates to classify findings (for example, using Lung-RADS or local equivalents), which help determine the appropriate follow-up interval and need for additional tests (repeat imaging, PET-CT, biopsy). If a suspicious nodule is detected, our multidisciplinary team (pulmonology, thoracic surgery, medical oncology) will discuss next steps with you and your family.

This structured pathway ensures that LDCT screening is not an isolated scan but part of a comprehensive service that includes counselling, tobacco cessation referral and rapid access to diagnostic services. For practical questions and to schedule an appointment, call +91 80788 80788 or visit book low-dose CT scan Mohali.

Costs and what influences price in Mohali and Punjab

Cost is an important practical consideration when arranging lung cancer screening. Prices vary by centre, machine technology, reporting standards and whether a structured screening programme (with counselling and follow-up) is included. In Mohali and broader Punjab, the range for a screening LDCT typically reflects these factors.

Typical price ranges (indicative) for a single LDCT screening in this region:

• Low-dose CT scan cost Mohali: approximately INR 3,000–6,000 depending on facility and reporting.
• Low-dose CT scan cost Punjab: generally INR 3,000–7,500 depending on city and services included.
• At Livasa Mohali: we aim to provide transparent pricing and packages that may include radiologist consultation and follow-up coordination. Call +91 80788 80788 for current LDCT chest scan Mohali pricing and package details.

Below is a comparison table to help you understand how LDCT costs compare to other options and what is included:

Insurance coverage for screening LDCT varies. In India, many public and private insurers may not routinely cover screening in asymptomatic individuals, but coverage options are evolving. At Livasa Mohali we can help you understand billing, available packages and assist with documentation if you plan to file claims. For questions about the lung cancer screening cost in Mohali or the low-dose CT scan cost Punjab, contact our bookings team at +91 80788 80788 or use the online appointment page.

Comparing screening and diagnostic options

People often ask how LDCT compares to other tests such as chest X-ray, sputum tests or PET-CT. Below is a clear comparison to help you understand when each test is used and why LDCT is the preferred tool for screening high-risk smokers in Mohali and Punjab.

In summary, if you are an eligible smoker or recent quitter in Mohali or Punjab seeking screening, LDCT is the recommended test. Other tests are important for diagnosis, staging and treatment planning but are not substitutes for LDCT screening.

What happens if the LDCT shows an abnormality?

An abnormal LDCT does not necessarily mean cancer. Many nodules detected on screening are benign (scar tissue, infections or non-cancerous growths). What matters is an organised, evidence-based approach to classify findings and recommend appropriate next steps. Livasa Mohali uses structured reporting (for example, Lung-RADS or equivalent) to categorise nodules and guide follow-up.

Typical steps after an abnormal LDCT at Livasa Mohali:

• Review by a chest radiologist with comparison to prior imaging if available.
• Classification of the finding and recommendation: short-interval repeat LDCT (e.g., 3 months), further imaging such as PET-CT, sputum testing or direct referral for tissue diagnosis.
• Multidisciplinary discussion with pulmonology, thoracic surgery and oncology if a suspicious lesion requires biopsy or treatment planning.
• If biopsy is required, options include CT-guided percutaneous biopsy, bronchoscopy with biopsy, or surgical biopsy depending on nodule location and patient factors.

Treatment after diagnosis depends on the stage and type of lung cancer. Early-stage cancers are often treated surgically (minimally invasive where possible) or with stereotactic radiotherapy if surgery is not suitable. Advanced disease may require systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary team at Livasa Mohali will discuss the best personalised plan and explain benefits and risks. If you receive an abnormal result, prompt communication with your care team is critical — call +91 80788 80788 for the fastest support.

Frequently asked questions and common misconceptions

Many people considering lung screening have understandable questions and concerns. Below are common FAQs with clear, practical answers that apply to smokers and former smokers in Mohali and across Punjab.

Q: Do smokers need lung cancer screening Mohali? A: If you meet eligibility criteria (age and pack-year history), screening with LDCT is recommended because it reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk populations. Even if you plan to continue smoking, screening can detect treatable disease earlier. Importantly, screening visits are also opportunities to access smoking cessation support.

Q: How often should I get screened? A: Most programmes recommend annual LDCT for eligible individuals while they remain within the risk window (e.g., current smoker or quit within 15 years up to an upper age limit). Your screening team at Livasa Mohali will individualise intervals based on findings and risk.

Q: What are the harms of screening? A: Potential harms include false positives leading to anxiety or unnecessary tests, radiation exposure (small but cumulative), and overdiagnosis (detecting cancers that would not have caused problems). Structured programmes minimise these harms through standardised reporting and multidisciplinary management.

Q: Is LDCT expensive? Can I afford it in Mohali? A: LDCT is more expensive than a chest X-ray but far less than advanced diagnostic imaging like PET-CT. Typical low-dose CT chest cost in Mohali ranges are listed earlier. Many centres including Livasa Mohali offer transparent packages and can advise on payment options.

Q: I quit smoking 12 years ago — should I still be screened? A: If you have a sufficiently high pack-year history and quit within the recommended time window (commonly within past 15 years), you may remain eligible. Eligibility is individualised; speak with our screening coordinator at +91 80788 80788.

Next steps: how to book and prepare at Livasa Mohali

Ready to take the next step? Booking lung cancer screening at Livasa Mohali is straightforward. We provide a patient-friendly pathway that combines clinical expertise with efficient logistics so you receive timely results and clear guidance.

Steps to book and prepare:

• Call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment online for LDCT lung screening Mohali.
• Complete a pre-screening questionnaire about smoking history and medical conditions; this helps confirm eligibility for screening.
• Arrive 15 minutes before the appointment; bring prior chest imaging if available (helps with comparison).
• No special fasting is needed for the LDCT screening; wear comfortable clothing and avoid metal around the chest area.
• After the scan you will receive instructions on expected timelines for the report and follow-up. Radiology reports and any recommended next steps are communicated promptly to you and your referring clinician.

If you are searching for “best hospital for lung screening in Mohali” or “lung cancer screening centre Mohali”, Livasa Mohali combines modern CT technology, experienced chest radiologists and a coordinated multi‑disciplinary team. For additional reassurance, our staff are trained in counselling patients about smoking cessation and the possible outcomes from screening.

Conclusion: take action for your lung health

If you are a current smoker or a former smoker with a significant smoking history living in Mohali or Punjab, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT is an evidence-based option that can save lives by detecting lung cancer at an early, treatable stage. While screening is not appropriate for everyone, eligibility can be quickly assessed by a healthcare professional and organised within a structured programme such as the one at Livasa Mohali.

Screening is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive approach that includes shared decision-making, access to smoking cessation services, and rapid, organised follow-up for abnormal findings. If you are looking for information on “low dose CT chest cost”, “low-dose CT scan cost Punjab” or “LDCT chest price Mohali”, our team will provide transparent pricing and guidance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Eligibility and care pathways may differ based on individual health status and evolving guidelines. For specific recommendations, please contact Livasa Mohali at +91 80788 80788 or consult your healthcare provider.