Doctors are rallying around a critical message: lung cancer, the deadliest cancer in the United States, is more survivable than ever with early detection, personalized treatment, and smoking cessation. For current and former smokers, understanding these options could mean the difference between life and death.
Screening: The Key to Early Detection
“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 former chairman of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, reduces costs, and helps patients return to normal life sooner.
Despite these benefits, only 6% of eligible individuals undergo regular screenings. A low-dose CT scan, which takes mere minutes, is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history—equivalent to smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs daily for 10.
“If you’re eligible, talk to your doctor about getting screened,” advised Dr. Luis Armando Godoy of UC Davis Health.
Groundbreaking Advances in Treatment
For those diagnosed with lung cancer, new therapies are offering unprecedented hope. Targeted treatments are revolutionizing care by attacking cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, significantly improving both survival rates and quality of life.
A key innovation is biomarker testing, which analyzes specific mutations in a tumor to personalize therapy. “With biomarker testing and targeted treatment, we’re seeing survival extend to four years, even for late-stage cancers,” Dr. Mullett explained. “That’s four years of birthdays, family gatherings, and memories patients might otherwise miss.”
Smoking Cessation: A Critical Step
While cutting-edge treatments are a beacon of hope, prevention remains paramount. Smoking cessation dramatically reduces lung cancer risk and enhances the effectiveness of treatment for those already diagnosed. In fact, quitting can extend life expectancy by nearly two years for some patients.
“Quitting smoking is hard work, but the health benefits are immeasurable,” Mullett emphasized. Programs like Just ASK and Beyond ASK offer practical tools to help individuals quit. “Patients deserve accessible, judgment-free resources to help them stop smoking,” added Dr. Godoy.
Moving Forward
In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the American College of Surgeons is urging patients to prioritize screening, embrace the latest treatments, and seek support to quit smoking. These actions, combined with continued advancements in personalized medicine, represent a monumental shift in the fight against lung cancer.
The message is clear: with early detection, cutting-edge treatments, and a commitment to prevention, a longer, healthier future is within reach for millions.