Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, and screening could save many lives − if more people could access it

Despite being the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, Nina Thomas, MD, shares that lung cancer has a significantly lower screening rate compared to other common cancers. Various barriers, including lack of awareness, misconceptions, geographic and socioeconomic disparities, and stigma surrounding smoking, contribute to this low rate. Lung cancer screening, recommended for high-risk individuals, involves a low-dose CT scan that is quick, non-invasive, and effective in detecting early-stage cancer. Efforts to improve screening rates focus on public education, reducing disparities, and destigmatizing lung cancer and smoking.