As we mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, doctors are urging current and former smokers to pay attention to new advances in lung cancer detection and treatment. Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer in America, but thanks to innovations in early screening, targeted therapies, and smoking cessation efforts, there is hope for improving outcomes.
“Lung cancer screening is the most powerful tool we have to lower cancer deaths,” said Dr. Timothy Mullett, medical director of the Markey Cancer Center Network and immediate past chairman of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer. “Early-stage cancer is more treatable and at a lower cost than late-stage disease, and patients are more likely to get back to work.”
Here are four crucial things you need to know about lung cancer prevention and care:
1. Get Screened
Early detection saves lives, but unfortunately, only about 6% of eligible individuals are screened regularly. The most effective method for early detection is a low-dose CT scan, recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history. That’s equivalent to smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.
A low-dose CT scan takes just a few minutes and can detect lung cancer at a much earlier, more treatable stage. “If you’re eligible, talk to your doctor about getting screened,” advised Dr. Luis Armando Godoy of UC Davis Health. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces treatment costs and increases the chances of returning to normal activities.
2. Treatment Advances Offer Hope
Even for those diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer, advances in personalized therapies are offering new hope. One such advancement is targeted therapy, which specifically destroys cancer cells without damaging healthy ones. This approach is revolutionizing how doctors treat lung cancer, helping patients live longer with a better quality of life.
“With specific biomarker testing and targeted therapy, we’re seeing survival extend to four years, even for late-stage cancers,” Dr. Mullett shared. “That’s a lot of birthdays, grandchildren, and moments in your life that you might have an opportunity to experience.”
3. Biomarker Testing: A Tailored Approach
Biomarker testing is a breakthrough in lung cancer treatment. By analyzing specific mutations in a patient’s tumor, doctors can tailor treatments that are most effective for each individual. This personalized approach is making it possible to treat cancers that were previously difficult to manage, extending survival and improving the chances of remission.
Dr. Mullett explained, “We are seeing extended survival even for those with late-stage cancers, thanks to these advancements in targeted therapies based on biomarker testing.”
4. Quit Smoking: It’s Never Too Late
The benefits of quitting smoking cannot be overstated. Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of lung cancer, and it can even improve the effectiveness of treatment in those already diagnosed. For some patients, quitting smoking has been shown to extend life by as much as 1.8 years.
“Quitting smoking is hard work, but the health benefits are worth it,” said Dr. Mullett. Programs like Just ASK and Beyond ASK provide practical strategies and support to help individuals quit tobacco. Health care providers are an invaluable resource in this process and should be approached for guidance without fear of judgment.
“Patients deserve accessible and judgment-free resources to help them quit,” emphasized Dr. Godoy.
Lung cancer may still be one of the deadliest cancers, but with early screening, advances in treatment, and the power of quitting smoking, there is more hope than ever. Don’t wait—take action today to protect your health.
For more information on lung cancer screening, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.