Lung cancer remains the deadliest form of cancer in the United States, not due to a lack of treatment options, but because it is often detected too late. Early detection through lung cancer screening can significantly improve outcomes and save lives, according to experts.
Dr. Krystle Pew, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, emphasizes the critical role of screening and identifies those who may qualify for it. “The biggest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking cigarettes,” Pew stated.
“If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Ninety-five percent of people who are eligible to be screened for lung cancer do not get screened.”
Understanding Lung Cancer and Its Symptoms
Lung cancer occurs when normal cells in the lungs become abnormal and begin multiplying uncontrollably. These cells can form pulmonary nodules or spots that may develop into tumors. While early warning signs are often minimal, some symptoms can signal the onset of the disease, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing during physical activity.
Dr. Pew warns about the subtlety of these symptoms, explaining, “Lung cancer is sneaky. It usually does not show up in bloodwork or cause significant pain until tumors are large enough to affect the airways, ribs, or lining of the lungs.” By the time symptoms become noticeable, the disease may have already advanced.
The Importance of Screening
Individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 with a significant smoking history may qualify for lung cancer screening. Typically, doctors look for at least a 20 pack-year history, which could mean smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years. Screening is recommended for adults who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Healthcare providers conduct a detailed assessment of the patient’s smoking history, including the type of tobacco used and the duration of smoking, to determine the appropriateness of screening. This ensures that individuals at the highest risk receive the necessary care.
Lung cancer screening involves a low-dose CT scan, which provides a high-resolution image of the lungs, enabling the detection of small nodules or abnormal changes long before symptoms appear.
“Finding lung cancer early gives us a much better chance of treating it successfully,” Pew explained. “Screening is quick, painless, noninvasive, and most importantly, it can save lives.”
Treatment Options for Detected Lung Cancer
If lung cancer is detected, the treatment approach depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Early-stage lung cancer may be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. Other treatment options include targeted radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. Advances in immunotherapy are also enhancing treatment by enabling the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Dr. Pew highlights the importance of early detection in the effectiveness of these treatments: “All of these treatments are far more effective when lung cancer is caught early.”
Looking Ahead: The Path to Better Outcomes
The announcement of these findings comes as healthcare providers and researchers continue to advocate for increased awareness and accessibility of lung cancer screening. The low rate of screening among eligible individuals underscores the need for education and outreach to encourage more people to take advantage of this potentially life-saving tool.
As the medical community works to improve early detection rates, the hope is that more lives can be saved through timely intervention. The focus on preventive measures and early screening represents a crucial step in reducing lung cancer mortality and improving the quality of life for those at risk.
The move towards widespread screening and early detection is a significant development in the fight against lung cancer, offering a beacon of hope for patients and healthcare providers alike.
