Fewer than 1 out of 5 people who are considered at-risk for lung cancer – one of the most common forms of cancer – undergo recommended screenings for the disease, results of a recent study show.
Looking at data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey, researchers from the American Cancer Society found that nearly 12.8 million people met the criteria for a recommended annual screening beginning at age 50. Yet, only 18.7% had a lung screening in the past year.
According to the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, the criteria are:
- Current smokers with a “20 pack-year smoking history,” meaning at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.
- Smokers who have quit in the past 15 years.
“If screening increased to 100%, an estimated 62,110 lung cancer deaths over five years would be prevented and 872,270 life-years would be gained,” the ACS says. “At current screening uptake, only about a quarter of these projected gains are being achieved: 14,970 deaths prevented and 190,030 life-years gained.”
Lead study author Priti Bandi, scientific director of cancer risk factors and screening surveillance research at the ACS, said the guidelines for screening should be changed to add more eligible individuals. That includes people who have quit smoking for longer than 15 years, an action that could save an additional 29,690 lives.
“We need to raise these screening numbers,” Bandi said. “If you’re aged 50-80 and have ever smoked, talk to your doctor to find out if you’re eligible for lung cancer screening and whether it would be appropriate for you.
“Also, expanding current screening eligibility irrespective of years since quitting is warranted and could help save lives.”
The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
