Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Raising Awareness, Encouraging Early Detection

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month - a time to learn about lung cancer risk, recognize potential warning signs, and talk with a healthcare professional about screening. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. [1]

 

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, certain workplace substances, and air pollution, as well as personal or family history, can also increase risk. People who have never smoked can develop lung cancer, too. [2]

 

Most lung cancers do not cause symptoms until they have spread. When symptoms occur, they can include a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or recurring respiratory infections. Anyone experiencing concerning or persistent symptoms should speak with a healthcare professional. [3]

 

Annual screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for some adults at higher risk who do not have symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for eligible adults ages 50–80 with a 20-pack-year or greater smoking history who currently smoke or formerly smoked. Screening recommendations and program eligibility can differ, so talk with your healthcare professional and expanded access criteria which allow greater screening options for current or former smokers, individuals with secondhand smoke exposure, and individuals with occupational risk factors, such as Firefighters and Veterans. [4]

 

In 2024, only 18.7%—about 1 in 5—of U.S. adults eligible under USPSTF criteria were up to date with lung cancer screening. An American Cancer Society analysis projected that screening all eligible adults could prevent 62,110 lung cancer deaths and add 872,270 life-years over five years. These figures are model projections, not guaranteed outcomes. [5]