November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
This year, more than 238,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Anyone can get lung cancer; in fact, 60%-65% of new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
Because lung cancer is historically stigmatized and underfunded, raising awareness is an essential first step to improving the quality of life and outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of people living with the disease today. Public education campaigns need to focus not only on the risk factors but also on the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and the available treatments. Additionally, governments should increase funding for research into the causes and treatments of lung cancer.
The American Cancer Society has recently updated its guidelines for lung cancer screenings to reduce the number of deaths caused by this disease. The new recommendations, released on November 1st in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, advise annual lung cancer screenings for individuals aged 50 to 80 who smoke or used to smoke and have a smoking history of 20 years or more. This is different from the previous recommendations, which targeted individuals aged 55 to 74 who were current smokers or had quit within the past 15 years and had a smoking history of 30 years or more. These changes reflect the growing understanding of the risks associated with smoking and lung cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.
By expanding the criteria for screening, an estimated 5 million more Americans will be eligible for screenings, thus increasing the chances of detecting lung cancer early and preventing more deaths. Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the importance of these updated guidelines in saving lives. With the updated guidelines, it is estimated that 14 million people will be eligible for screening, which is 5 million more than before.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, believes this trend can be reversed through prevention and screening. In an interview with CBS News, she explained that many individuals who could benefit from screenings were previously ineligible. Adhering to the new guidelines will save approximately 21% more lives.
A lung cancer screening involves a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, a non-invasive and painless X-ray procedure that produces detailed images of the lungs. The purpose of screening is to detect signs of cancer before any symptoms become apparent, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. LDCT scans can detect lung cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. Regular screenings can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer-related deaths.
The American Cancer Society's updated screening recommendations are more closely aligned with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. However, they differ in terms of their recommendation for past smokers. The Task Force suggests annual LDCT screenings for individuals aged 50 to 80 who have a smoking history of 20 pack-years and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
Joe Diana, a lung cancer survivor, understands the significance of screenings firsthand. Having been diagnosed 15 years ago, he underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove his right lung. He encourages others to get screened not only for themselves but for the loved ones who care for them. His experience has taught him the importance of early detection, and he is determined to help others benefit from the same knowledge. Through his own experience, Joe has become an advocate for lung cancer screenings and is determined to help others benefit from early detection. Joe's story is an inspiring reminder of the importance of early detection and why he has advocated for lung cancer screenings.
