Questions and Answers

Q: Why do non-smokers have lung cancer? Who is more susceptible to develop lung cancer?

A: Risk factors for lung cancer in non-smokers include Asian ethnicity, family history of lung cancer, presence of certain genetic alterations, and environmental factors (e.g. air pollution), etc. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with family history of lung cancer are two to nine times¹  more likely to develop lung cancer compared to the general population.

Q: Should high-risk non-smokers undergo lung cancer screening?

A: About 40% of lung cancer patients in the Hong Kong SAR are non-smokers²  and over half of them are diagnosed with stage IV incurable disease. Most people with early-stage lung cancer are asymptomatic³ . Screening may enable early detection and intervention of lung cancer to improve survival. The objective of this study is to investigate the value of lung cancer screening for non-smokers who are at risk of developing lung cancer.

Q: What is Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan?

A: LDCT scan is an established tool for lung cancer screening. Its radiation dose is one-fifth to one-seventh of that used in regular CT scans and does not require injection of contrast agents. LDCT is effective in detecting lung nodules down to 5mm in size. It is non-invasive and takes around five minutes for a complete scan.

Q: What are the study procedures?

A: Participants will undergo at least two rounds of blood test and LDCT scan. A follow-up appointment will be arranged with research staff for further discussion if suspicious lung nodules are detected.

Q: Are participants eligible if they have undergone CT thorax, CT coronary angiogram or PET-CT?

A: Those who have undergone CT thorax, CT coronary angiogram or PET-CT in the past two years are not eligible in the study.

Q: How will participants be informed of the result?

A: Participants will be informed of the result through WhatsApp after the images are analyzed by AI. Participants will also receive an electronic copy of the images for each scan.

Q: Can family members participate together?

A: Yes, there is no limit on the number of family members as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Q: Is there a charge for the study?

A: All study procedures are fully waived. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: How to register?

A: To register, please scan the QR code on the leaflet which will direct to the WhatsApp number of the research team. Please send out the default message in WhatsApp. Our research staff will contact you with further instructions. Participants may also register on our website at www.cuhk-lungcancerscreening.com.