Lung cancer is often called the “silent killer”—and for good reason. It’s the second most common cancer in the United States, yet it remains the deadliest. The American Cancer Society estimates over 226,650 new lung cancer diagnoses in 2025. The tragedy? More than half of these patients will discover their cancer only after it has reached an advanced or metastatic stage.

But there’s hope—and it starts with early detection.

Despite the higher mortality associated with lung cancer, screening rates fall well behind that of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Why Early Detection Matters

Lung cancer is notoriously stealthy in its early stages. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent cough often don’t appear until the disease has progressed. That’s why screening is so critical.

• 5-year survival rate for early-stage lung cancer (Stage I–II): Over 60%
• 5-year survival rate for advanced-stage lung cancer: Around 20%

The difference is staggering. Catching lung cancer early can mean the difference between life and death.

What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

The screening process is simple and non-invasive. It involves a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which takes about 20 seconds and requires no injections or medications. You will lie on a table that slides through a donut-shaped scanner, and that’s it. Your physician and nurse navigator will follow up with your results and guide you through any next steps.

Even if your scan is normal, annual follow-ups for the next two years are recommended to monitor any changes. It is important to note that 30-40% of lung cancer screenings show abnormal results. Most are benign, but they require further testing to be sure.

Who Should Get Screened?

You may be eligible for a lung cancer screening if you meet the following criteria:

• 50–80 years of age
• A 20 pack-year smoking history (one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
• You are a current smoker or quit within the last 15 years.

Research suggests that exposure to certain industrial substances such as arsenic, some organic chemicals, radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust radiation exposure, air pollution, tuberculosis and environmental tobacco smoke in nonsmokers also increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.

How to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Whether or not you qualify for screening, there are steps you can take to protect your lung health:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Limit exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals
• Stay up to date on vaccines
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Maintain dental health
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
• Get routine check-ups.

If you think you may be at risk, do not wait. Talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a low-dose CT scan. Lung cancer may be silent, but screening gives you a voice—and a fighting chance.