Lung cancer screenings and risk factors
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that “approximately 6.0 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2017–2019 data.”
Both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer share several risk factors. It is especially important to be aware of the lifestyle risk factors for lung cancer.
Risk factors for small cell and non-small cell lung cancer
- A current or past history of smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars (even "light" cigarettes)
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- A family history of lung cancer in a first-degree relative
- Previous radiation therapy to the breast or chest
- Exposure to asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar in the workplace
- Exposure to radon in the home or workplace
- Exposure to air pollution
- Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Smoking increases the overall risk for developing lung cancer. Heavy smokers who use beta carotene supplements are at greater risk for non-small cell lung cancer.
Screening for lung cancer
Early detection is a key factor in lung cancer survival rates, and survival rates vary depending on the stage of the cancer upon diagnosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, when the disease remains localized within the lungs, the five-year relative survival is more than 60%. However, once it has metastasized, the rate drops to 7%.
The challenge has been identifying effective lung cancer screening tests. With only 17% of lung cancer cases diagnosed at an early stage, researchers have explored ways to detect lung cancer as soon as possible, with low-dose CT scans proving successful in lowering the risk of lung cancer-related deaths in heavy smokers.
What is a low-dose CT scan?
A low-dose CT scan, or LDCT, uses x-rays to scan and take precise pictures inside the body.
Sarah Cannon’s lung cancer screening recommendation
Sarah Cannon recommends Low-Dose CT Scan every year for people who meet the following criteria:
- Age 50-80*
- Those who have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history and are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years
* Must be 50-77 for Medicare
Determining pack-year
20 Pack-Year Equivalent
- 1 pack a day for 20 years
- 2 packs a day for 10 years
Despite advances in screening, it cannot prevent all lung cancer-related deaths, and smoking cessation remains essential. For more information on lung cancer, visit Sarah Cannon’s Lung Cancer Symptoms, Screening, Stages.
For more information on lung cancer screening and risk factors, call askSARAH at (844) 482-4812 to speak to a nurse who is specially trained to help with your cancer questions or visit askSARAH.
It is important to know that the information in this post, including Sarah Cannon’s recommendations for screening, is accurate as of the publishing date.