The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends annual screenings for those with a high risk of lung cancer. Early detection can help save lives. As with mesothelioma, it can be hard to notice lung cancer until it has progressed. So catching it early can set patients on the road to recovery sooner.
Yet a new study from the ACS found that only a fraction of eligible Americans are getting screened. Let’s get into it.
What the ACS Found
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the ACS recommend annual lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals. They define high-risk as people who:
- Are 50 – 80 years old
- Are current smokers or quit less than 15 years ago
- Used to smoke at least 20 packs a year
But out of this high-risk group, the ACS found very few of them actually get screenings. The study looked at almost 26,000 eligible people. Less than 20% were up to date on screenings. That number dropped to about 5% for those without insurance or a primary care facility. There were also lower rates in Southern states.
What This Means
Lisa Lacasse, president of the ACS Cancer Action Network, emphasized that care needs to be more accessible. She advocated for expanding Medicaid in 10 states to include lung cancer screenings. This kind of healthcare coverage could make a significant difference for many Americans.
The rates of eligible people getting annual lung cancer screenings remain low. But they have improved. Compared to previous years, the 2022 study shows an encouraging increase in people getting screened. ACS researcher Dr. Priti Bandi said, “We clearly still have a long way to go. We must push harder to move the needle in the right direction.”
For now, if you have a history of smoking and/or asbestos exposure, talk to your doctor. You may qualify for lung cancer or mesothelioma screening.
