People who have smoked in the past can catch lung cancer early through annual CT screening, which makes it easier to treat.
Most Americans do not know about this important screening, according to a recent survey.
It was found that a lot of people are not aware of lung cancer screening, said Harold Wimmer, President of the American Lung Association (ALA), which conducted the 2024 Lung Health Barometer survey.
A yearly CT lung scan can increase the chances of surviving lung cancer by 63%, according to the ALA.
Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend that all people aged 50 to 80 who have smoked or used to smoke and have a 20 pack-year history of smoking should get a yearly low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer.
The ALA survey asked 4,000 people across the U.S. about their knowledge of lung health and lung cancer.
Only 38% knew about CT scans as a screening option for those at high risk of lung cancer, although this is an improvement from previous years.
Compared to the 2022 survey, there has been a 27% increase in awareness of lung cancer screening, said Wimmer in an ALA news release.
Other findings from the survey include:
- Only 28% knew that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
- Only 10% thought it was a common cancer for women (it is).
- 73% had never talked to their doctor about their risk for lung cancer.
- Only 42% were worried about getting lung cancer. About 1 in 5 lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked.
- 70% were hopeful that treatments and outcomes for lung cancer have improved in the last decade. But only 15% knew that survival rates have increased by over 50% in the past 10 years.
The ALA’s new survey highlights the importance of public awareness and attitudes regarding lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., Wimmer said.
Lung cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. It can cause coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer, but it can also happen to non-smokers.
Symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment and management options for lung cancer:
- Medical treatments: Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are common treatments.
- Drugs: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used to treat lung cancer.
- Alternative treatments: Acupuncture, herbal supplements, and yoga may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key Insights:
- Early detection through CT screening can save lives.
- Most people are not aware of this screening.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
- Improved awareness can lead to better outcomes and increased survival rates.
Source: American Lung Association (ALA)