Screening Facts & Figures

Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t need to be. Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) makes it possible to detect the disease early when it is most treatable and even curable. Screening is a game changer and those who fit the current “high-risk” criteria, age 50-80 with a heavy smoking history, should consider getting screened.

Here are the facts and figures you and your loved ones should know about lung cancer screening.

• According to the CDC, breast cancer has a 90.1% five-year survival rate, cervical cancer has 66%, colorectal cancer has 63.7%, while lung cancer has a 24% survival rate. 
  • The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer drops dramatically from a stage 1 diagnosis (68-92% survival) to a stage 4 diagnosis (0-10% survival).
• Lung cancer screening lasts about 10 minutes, while the low dose CT scan itself only takes a few seconds. Any abnormalities found in the image may require additional observation or tests.
• Medicare and most insurance plans cover individuals eligible for screening.
• In 2016, fewer than 2% of the eligible population (7 million) in the U.S. received lung cancer screening, despite it being accessible in over 1,800 facilities (per an abstract presented at the 2018 ASCO meeting).
  • The screening rates in 2015 for breast was 50%, prostate 35%, and colorectal cancer 63% according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
• Per cancer.org, the American Cancer Society expects 236,740 new cases of lung cancer and 130,180 deaths in 2022.  
• Lung cancer accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths with breast at 14%, and prostate and colon at 8%.
• Early stage detection of lung cancer is when the disease is most treatable, and only 16% of the eligible population will be diagnosed at an early stage.
• According to Cancer Network, the percentage of eligible patients screened remained stable at roughly 6.6% in 2019 and 2020. 

Low dose CT lung cancer screening is recommended by:

• GO2 for Lung Cancer
• United States Preventive Services Task Force
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• American Cancer Society
• American Lung Association
• National Lung Cancer Roundtable

Lung Cancer Screening Resources

• About Screening
• National Screening Centers of Excellence Network: Where to Get Screened
• What to Expect with Screening
• Take this simple test to find out if you are eligible for screening
• History of Lung Cancer Screening

Ask your physician about low dose CT lung cancer screening, utilize patient resources, and join the army of survivors.