A lung cancer can be scary, but there are ways to reduce your risk. The best way to avoid a difficult diagnosis is to understand your risk profile and when you should begin screening for certain types of lung cancers. Lung cancer screenings are typically quick and easy and are the best way to keep track of any changes in your lung health.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer occurs from an overgrowth of cells in the lungs. It accounts for 20% of all cancer deaths in the United States, as reported by the American Cancer Society. Lung cancer survival rates depend on what type of lung cancer you are diagnosed with and how advanced it is. It’s essential to get lung cancer screenings when advised to treat potential issues early while it’s still manageable.
There are two main types of lung cancer. The most common is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), followed by small cell lung cancer (SCLC). While NSCLC and SLSC are the most common, cancerous nodules on the lungs can also occur.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
This category of lung cancer accounts for 80%-85% of lung cancer diagnoses in the United States. It has multiple subtypes with similar treatment plans, symptoms, and prognoses. The most common types of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment for NSLC usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC):
This lung cancer accounts for 10%-15% of cancers in the United States and is commonly referred to as oat cell cancer because of the shape of the cells. While less common, this cancer is much more invasive and aggressive than NSCLC. By the time of diagnosis, it has usually spread past the lungs to other parts of the body. The most common types of SCLC are carcinomas and combined cell carcinomas. Since SCLC spreads so quickly, treatment almost always involves radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy or surgery.
Lung nodules:
While not technically lung cancer but rather potentially cancerous growths on the lungs, nodules are common and typically treatable (when cancerous). These small circular growths on the lung appear on one out of every 500 chest X-rays but usually aren’t cancerous. Lung nodule screenings happen through a computed tomography (CT) scan or advanced X-ray of the chest. Forty percent of pulmonary nodules are cancerous but treatable, and fifty percent of patients diagnosed with cancerous pulmonary nodules live at least five years after diagnosis, with an even higher survival rate after the first five years.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Knowing the symptoms of lung cancer, no matter your smoking or risk status, can be the determining factor in catching it early. While lung cancer is an aggressive disease, in some cases, when diagnosed early enough, it is curable. The most common lung cancer symptoms are:
- Coughing and wheezing that worsens over time or won’t go away
- Presence of blood when coughing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeat respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and chest infections
- Enlarged lymph nodes around your neck and collarbone
While the presence of one or many of these symptoms doesn’t guarantee the presence of lung cancer, it’s best to see a doctor and rule out any serious issues. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially for over a week, call your doctor or visit an emergency care center and get treated immediately.
Should I be screened for lung cancer?
If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 with a “20 pack-year history,” you should be screened. A “20 pack-year history” equals one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, one and a half packs for over 13 years, or three packs for over six years. This new guideline from the American Cancer Society allows more people to be eligible for screening.
There are other factors that you and your doctor should discuss when determining if you are at risk for lung cancer. Other than smoking habits, the most significant secondary factors are race and gender. Historically, black individuals are around 10% more likely to develop lung cancer, no matter their smoking status. While this statistic has been continuously shrinking over the past few decades, you should still consider it when discussing screening with your provider.
It’s a common mistake to think that prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer. There is no significant data linking secondhand smoke and the development of lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings should only be done on those who are considered at risk, since lung cancer tests come with some risk from radiation exposure.
Be sure to discuss your smoking habits and risk factors with your doctor. Depending on your risk profile, your doctor might elect to send you for screening earlier than those with a lower risk profile.
What happens during a lung cancer screening?
The only recommended test for lung cancer is low-dose computer tomography, more commonly known as a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. During this outpatient procedure, you’ll lie down on a table, and a machine will scan you using a low dose of radiation. The radiation makes detailed scans, allowing for the best image of your lungs. The scan takes about a minute and is completely painless.
As with anything, it’s essential to understand the risks. During a LDCT scan, you will have limited radiation exposure. The screening exposes you to the amount of radiation an average person gets within six months. It’s slightly higher than the amount of radiation exposure during a mammogram. While radiation exposure can be dangerous, typically, these small amounts are harmless, and the benefits of the procedures outweigh the risks.
Lung cancer screenings are the only way to protect your health and detect issues early on. Talk to your provider about your eligibility and risk status. If you’re recommended for a screening, schedule it immediately. Lung cancer is treatable and, in some cases, curable when caught early.
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If you or a loved one are at risk for lung cancer, schedule a screening as soon as possible. Capital Health has an experienced team ready to help you through the process with the highest quality of care. Make an appointment online or by calling 1-844-303-LUNG (5864).