Lung Cancer Screening: A Call to Action

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, and lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer in the United States, claiming more lives than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. Yet, there is hope - early detection through screening can save lives. As we recognize National Lung Cancer Screening Awareness Day and Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it is an opportunity to talk about the importance of lung cancer screening, encourage high-risk individuals to get screened, and emphasize the critical role it plays in preventing lung cancer deaths.

Understanding the Risk

Lung cancer primarily affects older adults and is strongly linked to smoking, which accounts for approximately 80-85% of all lung cancer cases. People who have smoked heavily for many years are at the highest risk, but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to factors such as secondhand smoke, exposure to radon, or occupational hazards like asbestos.

Who Should Get Screened

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals at high risk.

This includes people who:

• Are between the ages of 50 and 80
• Have a history of 20 pack-years or more of smoking (this means smoking one pack a day for 20 years or the equivalent)
• Are currently smoking or have quit smoking within the past 15 years

If you or a loved one fits this high-risk profile, lung cancer screening can be a life-saving step. LDCT scans are quick, painless, and highly effective at detecting lung cancer early, often before symptoms appear.

The Importance of Early Detection

Lung cancer screening is crucial because it can catch cancer early, when it is more treatable. Most lung cancers don’t cause symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, at which point treatment options are limited and survival rates drop dramatically.

Addressing Common Concerns

Despite its benefits, lung cancer screening remains greatly underutilized. Many eligible individuals are unaware that they qualify, while others may have concerns about the risks. However, more and more people are getting screened. Here are a few common misconceptions:

• Radiation Exposure: The amount of radiation in a low-dose CT scan is minimal and is far outweighed by the benefits of detecting cancer early.
• False Positives: While false positives can occur, follow-up tests can confirm the presence or absence of cancer, and the benefits of screening still greatly outweigh the risks.
• Cost: Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider about your eligibility. Orange Coast Medical Center also offers an affordable cash rate.

A Broader Impact: Encouraging Smoking Cessation

Lung cancer screening also provides an opportunity for smoking cessation education. Many screening programs integrate smoking cessation support, helping individuals quit smoking for good. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. 

For those who have already quit, lung cancer screening offers peace of mind, knowing that early signs of cancer can potentially be detected and treated early.

Taking Action

If you or someone you love is at high risk for lung cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about screening. Share information about lung cancer screening with your community, friends, and family, especially those who may be eligible. Screening is a powerful tool that can catch lung cancer early, improve outcomes, and save lives.

The Road Ahead

Thanks to advancements in screening, treatment, and awareness, we are seeing a steady decline in lung cancer deaths. But the fight is far from over. By increasing participation in lung cancer screening and supporting smoking cessation efforts, we can reduce the toll this disease takes on families and communities across the country.

What You Can Do Today:

• Get Screened: If you're at high risk, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.
• Encourage Others: Share information about screening with friends and family who may be at risk.
• Quit Smoking: If you're currently smoking, consider quitting. If you’ve already quit, take pride in knowing you've reduced your risk.
• Raise Awareness: Spread the word on social media, within your community, and among your peers. Lung cancer screening saves lives—let’s make sure everyone knows it.

By taking these steps, we can turn the tide against lung cancer, one screening at a time.

To find out if you’re eligible for a lung cancer screening, call (888) MEMLUNG or take our short quiz.