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 often isn’t diagnosed until it’s already advanced—when treatment is much harder and less likely to succeed. 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 obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- A persistent cough that won’t go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling unusually tired or losing weight without trying
- Frequent chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia
Once the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms can become more severe things like bone pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or swollen lymph nodes. At that point, treatment becomes more difficult, 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
- Current smokers or people who quit within the last 15 years
- Anyone with a history of smoking a pack a day for 20 years (or the equivalent, like two packs a day for 10 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
The screening uses a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. This is a type of imaging test that uses much less radiation than a regular CT scan but still gives 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. But depending on what the scan shows, your doctor might recommend additional tests like another scan or a biopsy to be sure.
What Increases Your Risk of Lung Cancer?
Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor, but it’s not the only one. Other things that can raise your risk include:
- Secondhand smoke exposure
- Long-term exposure to radon gas
- Working around asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other hazardous materials
- Air pollution
- A family history of lung cancer
- Drinking water contaminated with arsenic
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)
- Stay away from secondhand smoke
- Get your home tested for radon and fix any problems
- 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’re at high risk, a simple 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.
Learn more about lung cancer screening here.