From risk factors to survival rates: 5 essentials of lung cancer screening
September 2, 2025By: Ben Fangman, MD
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer causes nearly 20% of cancer deaths in the U.S., mostly affecting those 65 and older. The good news: as smoking rates decline, new lung cancer cases are decreasing. Even better, advances in technology now allow us to catch lung cancer earlier, making treatment more effective.
Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from my Lunch & Learn presentation, “Early Detection Saves Lives: Lung Cancer Screening Essentials.”
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide: Lung cancer often shows no symptoms in its initial stages. Many people delay screening until symptoms appear. By then, the cancer is usually more advanced and harder to treat.
- Smokers and former smokers are not the only high-risk group: Those exposed to second-hand smoke, radon or have a family history of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis should also receive annual screenings.
- LDCT is more effective than X-rays: A low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) uses 75%-90% less radiation than a standard CT. It is also more sensitive than X-rays and can detect small nodules or lesions that X-rays may miss.
- The scan is painless and quick: The scanner moves around the patient as they lie on a table. The procedure is painless.
- Early screenings boost survival rates: Studies show lung cancer screening reduces lung cancer deaths by 25%. Stage 1 has a 60-80% five-year survival rate. Stage 4 has a 10% five-year survival rate.
