Lung Cancer Screenings Lag: A Deadly Missed Opportunity

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally and in the United States. Despite decades of knowing the primary risk factor is smoking and the availability of a simple diagnostic test, screening rates are alarmingly low. New research indicates that only about 1 in 6 eligible patients have discussed lung cancer screening with a healthcare professional in the past year, a figure far below uptake for other major cancers.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended annual low-dose CT scans since 2013 for adults aged 50-80 with a history of heavy smoking, including current smokers and those who quit within the last 15 years. However, studies suggest many clinicians may not be adequately discussing screening, particularly with former smokers whose risk remains elevated for many years after quitting.

The American Cancer Society broadened its recommendations in 2023, advising screening for anyone with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history, regardless of when they quit. This wider criteria highlights that screening is still not standard practice, with only about 19 percent of eligible individuals up-to-date on the test. Implementing electronic health record prompts and ensuring no out-of-pocket costs could immediately increase screening rates and prevent an estimated 62,000 deaths over five years.