Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening is a test used to detect lung cancer before any symptoms appear. People who currently smoke or formerly smoked are at higher risk for lung cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) for some of these people (American Lung Association, 2022).

The American Cancer Society advises that health care providers, and people at increased risk for lung cancer, follow the recently updated recommendations for annual lung cancer screening from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), or the American College of Chest Physicians.

These organizations recommend yearly lung cancer screening with LDCT scans for people who:

• Are 50 to 80 years old and in fairly good health,
  and
• Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years,
  and
• Have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. (This is the number of packs of cigarettes per day multiplied by the number of years smoked. For example, someone who smoked 2 packs a day for 10 years [2 x 10 = 20] has 20 pack-years of smoking, as does a person who smoked 1 pack a day for 20 years [1 x 20 = 20].)

In addition, it’s important that people who are going to be screened:

• Receive counseling to quit smoking if they currently smoke,
  and
• Have been told by their doctor about the possible benefits, limits, and harms of screening with LDCT scans,
  and
• Can go to a center that has experience in lung cancer screening and treatment.

References:

American Cancer Society. (2022). Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines and Screening Criteria. Retrieved on March 29, 2022 from https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/american-cancer-society-prevention-early-detection-guidelines/lung-cancer-screening-guidelines.html. 

The Chronic Disease Work Group’s strategies for tobacco policy and lung cancer screenings target adults ages 45 to 64 in the 28601 zip code. Community members age 45 to 64 in the 28601 zip code had higher rates of lung cancer deaths, emergency department visits for chronic lower respiratory disease, and tobacco use.

The Chronic Disease Work Group’s action plan includes the following strategies related to lung cancer screenings. Action steps related to the following strategies are discussed and updated during monthly work group meetings. 

Strategies: Lung Cancer Screening

• Screening education for the community and public about why lung cancer screening is a beneficial choice. 

• Promotion and education of lung cancer screenings for providers.

Policy Agenda: Tobacco and E-cigarette Free Lifestyles

In the fall of 2021, the Chronic Disease Work Group crafted the following policy statement as part of LiveWell Catawba's overall policy agenda supporting health and wellness in Catawba County. 

1. We support adoption of evidence-based, comprehensive tobacco-free policies to provide the healthiest environment for our community members.
2. We believe lung cancer screening should be accessible to community members that meet the criteria for screening.