Early Detection Saves Lives: The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, claiming more lives than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined because t's often diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited.

The good news? Lung cancer screening can detect cancer early – before symptoms appear – when it’s most treatable. A quick, non-invasive imaging test called a Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan can significantly improve survival rates for those at high risk.

Know the Symptoms of Lung Cancer

While early-stage lung cancer often has no noticeable symptoms, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Persistent cough that doesn’t go away
• Recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you’re at risk, it’s crucial to get evaluated.

Understand Your Risk

Certain factors increase your chances of developing lung cancer. Major risk factors include:

• Air pollution
• Exposure to radon gas – a naturally occurring radioactive gas
• Family history of lung cancer
• Occupational exposure to substances like asbestos, arsenic, or diesel exhaust
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest
• Secondhand smoke exposure
• Tobacco use

If you fall into one or more of these categories, you may be at elevated risk—even if you have no symptoms.

Who Should Consider a Screening?

You may qualify for a Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening if you meet the following criteria:

• Between the ages of 50 and 80 (50 – 77 for Medicare patients)
• Current smoker
• Former smoker who quit within the last 15 years
• Smoked at least one pack/day for 20 years, or two packs/day for 15 years

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one meets the screening criteria, don’t delay. When caught early, lung cancer is far more treatable, and survival rates are dramatically higher. This screening could be the difference between a routine check-up and a life-changing diagnosis.