Dr. Matthew Paparo, Parkview Health Pulmonologist, talked to FOX 55's David Tilmans about why some people fear getting screened for lung cancer, even though screening for and early detection of it are crucial steps for better outcomes.

Lung cancer screening involves a low-dose CT scan that takes about five to ten minutes, according to Dr. Paparo.

People tend to have a fear of the unknown, he said, which makes some nervous about getting tested.

Dr. Paparo said, to those who are nervous, he would say, "This is a painless procedure that takes little time out of your day, and you can benefit greatly from it."

He continued, "Catching lung cancer in the early stages, when it's potentially curable, is the best-case scenario for people."

People determined to be at the highest risk for lung cancer, according to the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force, are those who have smoked a pack a day for 20 years in the past 15 years.

Annual screening is recommended, said Dr. Paparo, and advised people to talk to their primary care provider.

More information about screenings can be found here.