Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the world. In the United States, it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, even more deadly than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined.
In 2025 alone, it is expected to claim the lives of around 125,000 Americans. At the same time, about 225,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
These numbers are frightening, especially because many people may not even realise they have lung cancer until it is already at an advanced stage. By that time, treatment becomes much more difficult and survival rates are much lower.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has revealed something both alarming and hopeful. Researchers found that three times as many lung cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone who is eligible for screening actually received a low-dose chest CT scan.
This special type of scan can detect lung cancer at a very early stage, sometimes even before any symptoms appear. When cancer is found early, it is much easier to treat, and people have a much better chance of surviving and living a longer life.
Right now, lungs are not being checked as often as they should be. In 2024, only around one in five people in the United States who were eligible for lung cancer screening actually had the scan. This means that about 80 percent of people who could benefit from screening never received it.
The lead researcher, Dr. Priti Bandi from the American Cancer Society, described this as a disappointing and sobering reality. She explained that this low use of screening is a missed opportunity to save thousands of lives.
To understand who should receive a lung cancer screening, it is important to know the current medical guidelines. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people between the ages of 50 and 80 may be eligible for a low-dose CT scan if they have a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more.
A pack-year is a way to measure how much a person has smoked over time. For example, if someone smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, that is equal to 20 pack-years. Smoking two packs a day for 10 years also equals 20 pack-years. People who currently smoke or who quit within the last 15 years are also included in this group.
The researchers analysed data from the National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2024. This is a large survey carried out every year to understand the health of people living in the United States.
Based on this data, the researchers estimated that nearly 13 million Americans are currently eligible for lung cancer screening. However, only 19 percent of those people reported that they were up to date with their screening.
The researchers then looked at what would happen if all of these eligible individuals actually received the scan. Their calculations showed that almost 30,000 more lung cancer deaths could be prevented.
In addition, more than 482,000 extra years of life could be gained across the population. This means that many people could live longer, healthier lives simply by having one regular scan that takes only a short amount of time.
Despite the clear benefits, many barriers still stand in the way of widespread screening. Some people are not aware that they are eligible. Others may be afraid of what the test might find. Some may not have easy access to a doctor or a clinic that offers the scan.
In other cases, the cost of screening or follow-up tests may be a concern. This is why health experts are calling on governments and health systems to do more.
Lisa Lacasse, the president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, has stressed the need to improve access to healthcare and make sure these life-saving screenings are covered for everyone who needs them.
She believes that removing costs and improving access can help millions of people take advantage of early detection, which could dramatically reduce lung cancer deaths in the future.
In reviewing and analysing the findings of this study, it is clear that lung cancer does not have to remain such a deadly disease. The technology to detect it early already exists, and the group of people who would benefit most from screening is well defined. The problem is not a lack of science, but a lack of action.
Many lives are being lost simply because people are not being screened in time. This study sends a powerful message that early detection through regular low-dose CT scans could transform lung cancer from a deadly surprise into a condition that is caught and treated early.
By raising awareness, improving access, and encouraging people to speak to their doctors, thousands of lives could be saved each year.
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The study is published in JAMA.
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