Screening

Screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan significantly reduces mortality, but only 5.1 percent of eligible Hoosiers participate.

“It takes time for screening to become normalized in our medical community and society,” said Catherine Sears, M.D. “These numbers are not stagnant, and we are seeing increases in the use of low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening.” Sears is a pulmonologist and a physician-scientist at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

As more people know their benefits and healthcare providers continue to refer their patients, screening rates will continue to increase.

“Screening works because it finds lung cancer at an earlier stage, and we know that decreases the risk of death by at least 20 percent and perhaps as high as 40 percent,” Sears said.

End Lung Cancer Now advocates can play an essential role in promoting the importance of lung cancer screening in their local communities and promoting statewide efforts.  

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan for adults who meet the following criteria:

• Between the ages 50 and 80
• Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (for example smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
• Currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years

Other organizations and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommend lung cancer screening for adults ages 50 to 77 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.

“If you have a question if you would benefit from a lung cancer screening, ask your primary care physician,” Sears said. “They should be able to figure out those criteria and get you referred to a lung cancer screening program.”