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Lung Cancer Remains the Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths in the U.S., Early Detection is Key
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States, but early detection can dramatically improve survival rates. If lung cancer is detected before it spreads, the chance of surviving five years or more increases to 65 percent. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Houston Methodist is urging those at risk to get screened.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes.
- Non-smokers, however, can also be diagnosed if there’s:
- Secondhand smoke exposure; increases risk by up to 20 to 30%
- A family history of lung cancer
- Radiation therapy to the chest
- Exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or radon gas
- More than 226,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with lung or bronchus cancer in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society and more than 124,700 are expected to die from lung cancer this year.
- About 90% of people diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer live at least one year, compared to less than 20% of those diagnosed at stage 4. Only about 16% of lung cancer cases are found at stage 1.
- Current guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT scans for adults 50 to 80 years old who: Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, and
- Smoked at least one pack a day for 20 years or more.
- Symptoms vary among individuals. Many don’t have symptoms until the cancer is advanced.
“Since lung cancer has a high prevalence in smokers and tends to fly under the radar until late, screening for the high-risk group is vital,” said Dr. Fadi Abu-Shahin, medical director of the hematology and oncology clinics at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “Early detection is the only way to achieve a high cure rate.”
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a time to educate, advocate, and act. If you or someone you know meets the screening criteria, make an appointment with the Houston Methodist pulmonology team today online or at 713.790.3333.
Source: Houston Methodist
