Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. It is estimated that more than 130,000 Americans will die from lung cancer in 2023.
Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, causing between 80-90% of all cases. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, and asbestos.
Lung cancer is often diagnosed late when it is more difficult to treat. However, there is now a low-dose CT scan that can be used to screen for lung cancer in high-risk individuals.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Why is lung cancer screening important?
Lung cancer screening can help find lung cancer early when it is most treatable. Early detection can lead to better outcomes and longer survival rates.
For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans reduced the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%.
Who should get screened for lung cancer?
The USPSTF recommends lung cancer screening for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
A pack-year is a measure of cumulative smoking exposure. It is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years smoked. For example, a person who smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years would have a 20-pack-year smoking history.
How does lung cancer screening work?
Lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT scan of the chest. The scan is quick and painless, and it takes only a few minutes.
The scan images are reviewed by a radiologist who looks for any suspicious areas that may be lung cancer. If a suspicious area is found, the radiologist may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy.
Smoking cessation programs
If you smoke, the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is to quit. Quitting smoking is not easy, but there are many resources available to help you.
Smoking cessation programs can provide you with support and guidance as you quit. These programs may offer counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or other medications to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Lung cancer is a serious disease, but it is often preventable. If you smoke or used to smoke and are between 50 and 80 years old, talk to your doctor about getting screened for lung cancer.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of lung cancer. If you need help quitting, there are many resources available to you.