Lung cancer is still one of the deadliest cancers in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for 1 in every 5 cancer deaths.
Here, Troy Moritz, DO, UPMC thoracic surgeon, answers your questions about risk factors, the importance of screenings, and new tools for detecting lung cancer.
What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?
Smoking continues to be the leading risk factor for lung cancer. But vaping and e-cigarettes may still be a threat as well.
Anything you inhale into your lungs that isn’t air can cause damage. This damage alters the DNA, which can eventually lead to lung cancer.
Additionally, environmental threats, like high radon levels or exposure to secondhand smoke, diesel exhaust, and asbestos, can be risk factors, too.
How Important Are Screenings for Lung Cancer?
To help detect and manage lung cancer early on, lung screenings are crucial. Early detection can help make treatment options, such as surgery or radiation therapy, more effective.
People between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history (one pack per day for 20 years) are high-risk individuals and should consider having a lung cancer screening.
How Do You Screen for Lung Cancer?
Low-dose CT scans are a simple and noninvasive way to screen for lung cancer. But advancements in technology are helping to detect and biopsy lesions that before might’ve been too small or inaccessible. These tools include artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic bronchoscopy.
It’s also important to listen to your body and make note of abnormal changes. Lung cancer is commonly referred to as a “silent killer” because it may not show symptoms in the early stages. So, when it comes to early detection, it’s vital not to ignore subtle warning signs.
Sometimes, people think their airways are just irritated. But if something doesn’t go away with normal treatment, it’s time to get checked out.
UPMC offers convenient access to lung cancer screenings throughout our network. To learn more or request an appointment, visit Low-Dose CT Scan for Lung Cancer Screening | UPMC.