It's not uncommon for lung cancer to develop and spread without any noticeable symptoms. Many people only discover they have lung cancer when it is detected through imaging scans for a different health issue or when symptoms eventually appear. Thankfully, lung cancer screening is available for individuals who are at the highest risk of developing the disease.
Lung cancer screening effectively detects and diagnoses the disease in its early stages, making treatment more successful. Doctors recommend screening for the appropriate candidates to identify any possible issues related to their lungs.
What is the lung cancer screening test, and why is it not available for everyone?
Lung Cancer Screening Technology
The most commonly used test for lung cancer screening is a low-dose CT scan (LDCT). This type of image takes multiple, detailed photos by sending low doses of radiation, providing a 360-degree view inside the body. This makes it possible to see internal organs and potentially any tumors that may be present. LDCT is more advanced than X-rays, providing more detail inside the body than an X-ray can.
Lung CT scans are outpatient procedures that do not require a hospital stay. They are quick, safe, and painless and are performed before lung cancer is suspected. Additionally, they are noninvasive and do not require anesthesia or surgery.
Who Is Considered Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening?
While anyone can develop lung cancer, screening is not recommended for everyone. The US Preventive Services Task Force (“USPSTF”) has set specific criteria for patients at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. If you meet the requirements and want to undergo screening, you should schedule a test with your doctor.
To qualify for lung cancer screening tests, you must meet the following conditions:
- You need to be between 50 and 80 years old, and
- You have a “20 pack-year” smoking history, and
- You currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
The CDC defines a “pack-year” as smoking one pack of cigarettes a day for a year. This means that a 10-pack year could be from an individual who smoked a pack a day for 10 years or somebody who smoked two packs a day for five years.
It is recommended to discuss your level of lung cancer risk with your doctor and whether lung cancer screening is appropriate for you. Your doctor can help you make the best decision based on your circumstances. Lung cancer screening is not recommended for everyone due to repeated exposure to low doses of radiation from year to year.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover lung cancer screening if you meet the criteria.
What Are the Benefits of Lung Cancer Screening?
The main advantage of lung cancer screening is finding tumors early. When lung cancer is diagnosed early, the treatment process can begin sooner, which can improve the chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, catching lung cancer in its early stages usually means fewer treatments are needed than if it were detected at a more advanced stage. The five-year survival rate of early-stage, localized lung cancer is 65%. The survival rate is much lower for patients who have distant, metastatic lung cancer.
Are There Risks With Lung Cancer Screening?
As mentioned earlier, early detection is the most important benefit of lung cancer screening as it can help catch cancer before it progresses and becomes harder to treat. Early detection can add years to your life and increase the chance of your cancer going into remission with fewer treatments. However, there are some potential risks to consider before deciding whether to undergo screening for lung cancer. Some of these risks include:
- Receiving inaccurate results. It's important to understand that no medical test is foolproof, although screening can improve patient outcomes. There is a possibility that you may receive either a "false positive" or a "false negative" result. A false-positive test result means that your lungs appear abnormal even though they are clear of cancer, while a false-negative test result means that your lungs seem to be normal even though lung cancer is present. Both of these types of test results can be problematic. A false positive could cause unnecessary stress and concern, while a false negative could lead you to believe there's no cancer when, in actuality, there is, and you need treatment.
- Increasing exposure to radiation. While lung cancer screening uses low-levels of radiation, repeated screening can result in overexposure, which could cause cancer. Even though the risk of radiation exposure for screening outweighs the risk of developing cancer for most people, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have, especially if you’ve ever received radiation therapy before.
- Discovering another health issue unexpectedly. Lung cancer screening scans are not limited to the lungs, as they also take pictures of other areas of the body. This means that other health problems may be detected during the scan, which can be beneficial if you are unaware of any underlying health concerns. However, it may cause other stresses, including further tests and overdiagnosis, which occurs when a disease, such as a nodule, mass, or nonaggressive cancer, is diagnosed and treated even though it would not have caused any symptoms or been life-threatening.
These risks associated with lung cancer screening are why it is recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease. It’s also only useful for those who are able to undergo lung cancer treatment if a tumor is found, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Treating Lung Cancer With Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a common treatment method, especially when localized lung cancer is found. It would be part of a complete treatment plan that is unique to you. Your care team creates a personalized plan based on what will likely be the most effective approach in your specific situation.
Remember that you can choose where you receive radiation therapy if it’s part of your treatment plan. It’s typically given five days a week for a few weeks, so a convenient location is important!
Lung Cancer Treatment Specialists in the Atlanta Area
If you live in the Atlanta area, we can assist with radiation therapy in or around Blairsville, Conyers, Covington, Decatur, and Snellville.
Request an appointment at one of our convenient locations and consult with our experienced radiation oncologists. We will work with you to develop the best treatment plan while making sure that it is easily accessible from your home.
