Lung cancer: Risks and screening

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. In 2025 alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 225,000 people will face a new lung cancer diagnosis.

Though lung cancer affects far too many people across the country, there’s a big reason to stay hopeful. Lung cancer survival rates have been going up in recent years. Advances in detection and treatment continue to help people with lung cancer to live longer.

What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer is caused by harmful cells in the lungs growing and spreading too fast for the immune system to fight them off. Over time, these cells can cause tumors, damage lung tissue, and lead to symptoms like:

  • Coughing

  • Trouble breathing

  • Chest pain

  • Coughing up blood

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Feeling tired or weak

Anyone can get lung cancer, but some factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Smoking (about 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking)

  • Breathing in secondhand smoke when people around you are smoking

  • Exposure to harmful substances, such as radon, asbestos, coal products, diesel exhaust, or other toxins in the air

  • Having a close family member with lung cancer

Lung cancer screening

It’s much easier to treat lung cancer when it’s found at an early stage. Since many people don’t show symptoms until after the cancer has spread, screening is often the best way to catch it early.

The American Cancer Society recommends getting a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer once a year if:

  • You’re between the ages of 50 and 80

  • You smoke or used to smoke AND

  • You have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history

What is a pack-year?

One “pack-year” is equal to smoking one pack (about 20 cigarettes) a day for one year. For example, someone could have a 20 pack-year smoking history if they:

  • Smoked one pack a day for 20 years

  • Smoked two packs a day for 10 years

  • Smoked one pack a day for 10 years, then two packs a day for five years

If you think you’re at a higher risk for lung cancer, talk with your health care provider about screening. They can tell you more about the benefits and risks of yearly screening and help you decide if it’s right for you.

Facing a lung cancer diagnosis

Lung cancer is a life-changing diagnosis — no one should have to go through that alone. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and your employer offers the Carrum Health benefit, contact us today.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help guide you through it. When you get cancer care through Carrum Health, you’ll have a dedicated cancer care navigator to help you every step of the way. They’ll answer your questions, coordinate your care and connect you with one of the top cancer centers in the country. Most, if not all, treatment costs are often covered.

Register with Carrum Health and speak with one of our cancer care navigators today.

 

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. No material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Sources: American Cancer Society, American Lung Association



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