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Low lung cancer screening rates in the U.S. hinder lifesaving potential
Lung cancer screening rates in the United States remain alarmingly low, with only 18.7% of eligible adults undergoing recommended low-dose CT scans, according to a 2024 study by the American Cancer Society (ACS). These screenings, designed for adults aged 50 to 80 with significant smoking histories, could prevent over 62,000 deaths within five years if participation increased, highlighting a critical gap in cancer prevention efforts.
Screening disparities across cancers
Lung cancer screening significantly trails behind other types of cancer. While breast and colorectal cancer screenings achieve participation rates of 65% to 80%, lung cancer remains below 20%, according to CDC data. The disparity is striking, especially since early detection boosts five-year survival rates for lung cancer to over 60%, compared to less than 10% for late-stage diagnoses.
Barriers to screening adoption
Multiple factors contribute to the low screening rates. Public awareness is a major issue, with over 60% of eligible individuals unaware of lung cancer screening programs. Eligibility criteria are also more complex than other screenings, requiring detailed smoking histories rather than simple age-based guidelines. Stigma around smoking, particularly among younger eligible adults aged 50 to 54, further discourages participation. Additionally, inconsistencies in insurance coverage and cost concerns create hurdles for many patients.
Efforts to expand access and eligibility
The ACS has revised its guidelines to eliminate the "years since quitting" criterion, potentially expanding the pool of eligible individuals. However, many insurers have yet to adopt these updated recommendations, maintaining stricter requirements. Experts are calling for the elimination of patient costs for screenings and follow-up tests, alongside expanded access in underserved areas, especially rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where lung cancer rates are highest.
Increasing lung cancer screening requires a multifaceted approach, including raising public awareness, simplifying eligibility processes, combating stigma, and ensuring equitable access to programs. With lung cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., improving screening participation could significantly reduce mortality, saving tens of thousands of lives annually.