It's the third most-common cancer in the USA, and the leading cause of cancer deaths—and doesn't only affect whom you might think.
More Than 80% of People Who Need This Cancer Screening Aren’t Getting It
Published on Apr. 28, 2025
Culturally, we know a lot about the link between smoking and lung cancer. For example, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that people between 50 and 80 years of age who currently smoke or have smoked within the last 15 years should undergo lung cancer screening. The Clinic explains that this involves undergoing a low-dose CT scan so doctors can look for tumors in the lungs, and it should be done once a year.
But lung cancer doesn’t only affect smokers or past smokers. Increasing research is highlighting how lung cancer prevalence is growing due to environmental pollutants. Air pollution and radon exposure from regional mining are among the demonstrated risk factors for lung cancer even among non-smokers.
A study published in JAMA this month further emphasizes the issue. Reviewing 2022 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, researchers from Mass General Brigham examined data collected from 28,483 people between the ages of 50 and 70 years who were eligible for lung cancer screenings.
They found that only 18% were actually screened for lung cancer. In comparison, the percentage of people who received breast and colon cancer screenings was four times higher—the researchers report: “In contrast to breast and colorectal cancer screening eligibility criteria, which are based on age alone, lung cancer screening eligibility criteria are more complex and include both age and multiple smoking history requirements.” Lead author Alexandra Potter, BS, added, “Challenges accessing lung cancer screening clinics are also likely an important factor driving low rates.”
One other reason for these low screening rates could be because most people who develop lung cancer do not experience obvious lung cancer symptoms for years. The Cleveland Clinic explains, “Most lung cancer symptoms look similar to other, less serious illnesses,” and notes that symptoms don’t typically appear until the disease has advanced. At that point, an individual might have difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, fatigue, and more.
Said Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD, senior author of the study: “As a community, we need to work together to improve lung cancer screening awareness and address the notable barriers that currently make it challenging for high-risk individuals to get lung cancer screening.”
Speak with your doctor about whether you might benefit from a lung cancer screening. It’s often covered my most insurance plans and Medicare, though you may want to check what costs will be paid by your specific plan.
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