Lung cancer is the second
most common cancer in both
men and women in the United
States, excluding skin cancer.
For men, prostate cancer is
more prevalent, while for
women, breast cancer is more
common, according to the
American Cancer Society.
However, lung cancer remains
the leading cause of cancer
deaths worldwide.
Early detection is crucial in the fight against lung cancer, and
screenings can save lives. Dr. Arati Patel, a board-certified
medical oncologist and director of the Lung Health Program
at CalvertHealth, discusses the latest lung screening protocols
and preventive measures available at CalvertHealth.
Q: What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in the lungs, which
are the organs responsible for breathing. The two main types of
lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell
lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 80-85% of lung
cancers, while SCLC makes up about 10-15%. SCLC tends to grow
more quickly and is more commonly found in non-smokers. Early
detection is essential to prevent further damage to the lungs, the
key organs in the respiratory system.
Q: Why is early lung cancer
screening vital?
Lung cancer often develops silently, with symptoms like a persistent
cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath appearing only in the
later stages. By the time these symptoms show up, the cancer may
already be advanced, making treatment more challenging. That’s
why screening before symptoms start is crucial. Early detection
through lung cancer screening can catch the disease in its earliest
stages, when it’s most treatable, significantly improving survival
rates. Don’t wait for symptoms—get screened early to protect your
lung health and increase the chances of successful treatment.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some
individuals may not experience symptoms in the early stages.
“Detecting lung cancer early not only saves lives but also enhances
the effectiveness of our treatments,” says Dr. Patel, emphasizing the
importance of early detection for long-term lung health.
Q: How does lung
cancer screening improve
survival?
Historically, most lung cancer cases
have been diagnosed at later stages.
“If lung cancer is detected at an
advanced stage, the five-year survival
rate is roughly 20%,” explains Dr.
Patel. “However, if detected early, the
survival rate increases dramatically
to 60-90%. This is why early screening
for high-risk individuals is so critical.”
In 2021, the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF)
updated its guidelines for lung cancer
screening using low-dose computed
tomography (CT). Dr. Patel highlights
that the goal is to identify lung cancer
at earlier stages when treatment is
more likely to be successful.
“We are dedicated to supporting
individuals throughout the screening
process,” says Dr. Patel. The
program includes a nurse navigator
to guide patients, a high-risk clinic
for education and counseling, and a
multidisciplinary thoracic team to
create personalized care plans.
Q: Who should get
screened?
Lung cancer screening is
recommended for people who
currently smoke or have smoked
in the past. The American Cancer
Society advises annual screening
with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan
for individuals aged 50 to 80 with
a history of smoking equivalent to
at least 20 pack-years. For eligible
patients, LDCT scanning is covered by
Medicare and most private insurance
companies. Patients are advised to
check with their insurance providers
to determine coverage. The screenings
are part of a comprehensive effort by CalvertHealth Medical Center,
in collaboration with American
Radiology Services | Calvert Medical
Imaging Center and Chesapeake
Potomac Regional Cancer Center.
“The screening is quick, painless,
and covered by insurance,” says
Dr. Patel. “Additionally, the health
department offers grant funding for
lung cancer screenings at no cost to
qualifying individuals.”
Q: I’m a non-smoker.
Am i still at risk?
While smokers are at the highest
risk for lung cancer, quitting smoking
significantly reduces the risk, even
after years of smoking. However, lung
cancer can still occur in non-smokers,
though less frequently.
According to the CDC, about
10% to 20% of lung cancer cases
(20,000 to 40,000 cases annually)
occur in people who have never
smoked or have smoked fewer than
100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
Secondhand smoke is estimated
to contribute to around 7,300 of
these cases, and radon exposure to
approximately 2,900.