Are you at risk for lung cancer? Who should get screened?
Common risk factors for lung cancer
Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. These include:
- Smoking: Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. The more someone smokes, the higher their risk
- Secondhand smoke: Breathing in smoke from other people’s cigarettes can also lead to lung cancer
- Environmental factors: Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials like asbestos or chemicals that can cause lung cancer. Radon, a gas found in the ground, can seep into homes and increase risk
- Family history: If lung cancer runs in your family, your chances of getting it may be higher
Lung cancers with genetic mutations
Some lung cancers are caused by acquired genetic mutations rather than known risk factors like smoking. Examples include EGFR-positive and ALK-positive lung cancer. These types grow because of changes in the cells' DNA that make them multiply quickly. Risk factors for these lung cancers can include:
- Being a non-smoker or light smoker
- Being a woman
- Being of East Asian descent
Screening for lung cancer
Screening can help detect lung cancer early when it's easier to treat. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screening for people who:
- Have a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more, and
- Are between 50 and 80 years old, and
- Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years
The main screening test is a low-dose CT scan, a special X-ray that takes detailed pictures of the lungs. It’s quick, painless, and can detect cancer before symptoms start.
Talk to your doctor about your risk and if screening is right for you. Catching lung cancer early can make a big difference in treatment and survival rates.
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