Other than chest x-ray, any other ways to look for lung cancer? blood tests, etc.? thank you.

Ct scan, biopsy: Chest x-ray is less sensitive and less specific compared to ct scan of the chest to be used in screening for lung cancer. No blood test available to screen for lung cancer. If there is anything suspicious in ct scan - a pet scan can be utilized for solitary lung nodule -but ultimately a core biopsy to the lesion would be needed for a definitive answer.

Low dose CT: The national lung screening trial (new england journal of medicine) showed that screening chest ct in high risk patients (heavy smokers and older patients) reduced deaths from lung cancer by 20% compared to patients screened with plain x-ray alone. There will soon be specific guidelines on exactly who should under go routine chest ct screening.

Chest CT: is the most sensitive way to find lung cancer. It cannot diagnose a cancer per se, but it can detect the nodules that could be cancer and require additional evaluation or follow-up.