Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and the second most common cancer for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. What’s especially troubling is that it is often not diagnosed until it’s already advanced. That’s why early detection through screening is so important.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn about your risks, understand the importance of screening, and take steps to protect your health or encourage a loved one to do the same.
Why Early Screening Makes a Difference
In the beginning, lung cancer usually doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- A persistent cough that won’t go away or gets worse.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up blood.
- Feeling unusually tired or losing weight without trying.
- Frequent chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Shortness of breath.
Once the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms can become more severe, such as bone pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or swollen lymph nodes. At that point, treatment may become more challenging, and survival rates drop significantly.
The earlier lung cancer is caught—before symptoms even start—the better the chances are for successful treatment.
Who Should Consider Getting Screened?
Lung cancer screening isn’t for everyone, but it’s strongly recommended if you’re considered high risk. This includes:
- Adults aged 50 to 80.
- Anyone with a history of smoking a pack a day for 20 years (or two packs a day for 10 years).
- Current smokers or people who quit smoking within the last 15 years.
If you fall into any of these categories, talk to your doctor about getting a yearly low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer.
What to Expect from a Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer screening requires a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. This is a type of imaging test that uses significantly less radiation than a regular CT scan, yet still provides detailed pictures of your lungs. It’s more effective than a standard chest X-ray and can spot small nodules or abnormalities that might be signs of early-stage cancer.
Not all nodules found on a scan are cancerous—many are harmless. However, depending on the scan results, your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as another scan or a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.
What Increases Your Risk of Lung Cancer?
Smoking is by far the most significant risk factor, but it’s not the only one. Other things that can raise your risk include:
- A family history of lung cancer.
- Air pollution.
- Drinking water contaminated with arsenic.
- Long-term exposure to radon gas.
- Secondhand smoke exposure.
- Working around asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other hazardous materials.
Even people who’ve never smoked can still develop lung cancer due to these other risk factors.
Steps You Can Take to Lower Your Risk
Some risk factors, like genetics or air pollution, are out of your control. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of developing lung cancer:
- Quit smoking (or don’t start).
- Get your home tested for radon and fix any problems.
- Stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Use safety gear if you work with dangerous materials.
Don’t Wait — Talk to Your Doctor
Lung cancer is easiest to treat when it’s caught early. If you are high risk, a simple 15-minute low-dose CT screening could catch the disease before symptoms show up—and potentially save your life.
This November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself or someone you care about. A conversation with your health care provider could be the first step toward peace of mind—or even saving a life.
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