12 cancer screening tests India doctors recommend

6. Lung cancer screening: low-dose CT for high-risk smokers

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer mortality in well-defined high-risk smokers in clinical trials. In India, LDCT is offered primarily to high-risk individuals (longterm heavy smokers or those with strong exposure histories) and after shared decision-making because of false positives and radiation exposure. LDCT programmes are less widespread here than in some Western countries, and access varies by city and hospital. Costs for LDCT in private centres typically range from ₹5,000–20,000 depending on the facility; public hospital pricing may be lower.