Five Questions on Lung Cancer Prevention, Answered

In an effort to increase awareness about the importance of cancer screening and prevention, this series asks experts in five cancer specialties – breast, colorectal, gynecologic, lung, and prostate – five questions focused on wellness, prevention, and the crucial screenings that help save lives.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S., making up nearly 25% of all cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS),more people die of lung cancer each year, than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In 2021, the ACS estimates 235,760 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed and about 131,880 people will die of the disease.

Because there are often no symptoms in early-stage lung cancer, people who are at high risk – including those who smoke or used to smoke – should be screened for lung cancer. Screening is crucial for early detection, better treatment options and more favorable outcomes for patients.

At the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Health, thoracic surgeons and medical oncologists often discuss the importance of lung cancer screening and prevention.

Here are five common lung cancer questions reviewed with patients.

When it comes to lung cancer prevention, how important are routine or annual screenings?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in adults. Smoking cessation is a critical part of lung cancer prevention.  Lung cancer screening is helpful at early detection for those at high risk for lung cancer.  Annual screenings for those who meet criteria can be helpful in detecting lung cancer early before it can advance.

What kind of screening is available for lung cancer and at what age should people start being screened?

Lung cancer screening is done by a low dose chest CT scan on an annual basis for those who meet criteria.  The population at risk is men and women between age 50-80 who previously smoked an equivalent of one pack per day for 20 years, who currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years and are fit enough to tolerate surgery, should a nodule or cancer be detected.

What are some of the risk factors for lung cancer and are there lifestyle or diet changes that can lower someone’s risk?

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer.  Environmental factors such as exposure to asbestos can increase risk of lung cancer.  The most helpful lifestyle change is to quit smoking. Unfortunately non-smokers can also get lung cancer.

What are some of the symptoms of lung cancer that someone should be concerned about and discuss with their primary care provider or specialist?

Many patients with lung cancer have no symptoms, which makes screening for high risk people so important.  Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, but can include persistent cough or pneumonia, hemoptysis or coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest wall or back pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, anorexia or loss of appetite, and finger clubbing.

What kind of treatment options are available for someone diagnosed with lung cancer?

There are many modalities of treatment for lung cancer from surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and various combinations of these therapies.

Learn more about thoracic oncology and lung cancer care at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in affiliation with South Shore Health.