Demasiados casos de cáncer de pulmón, muy pocos exámenes de diagnóstico

Última actualización: 10/8/2024

Proper preventive screenings could potentially save many of the 125,000 lives lost lung cancer each year. Employers can help through educational campaigns and by offering reliable healthcare plans that help high-risk employees.

Lung cancer is by far the leading cancer killer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). It causes roughly 1 in 5 U.S. cancer deaths, claiming more lives in this country than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

A recent American Lung Association (ALA) report revealed that only 16% of eligible Americans have been screened for lung cancer.

"Some of that is because many patients don't know the recommendations or suggested screening guidelines," said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. "So they often miss this very critical test - a test that could lead to earlier, more effective treatment of lung cancer."

Who should be screened for lung cancer?

More than 226,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year. But with proper and timely screenings, many of the roughly 125,000 lives lost annually to the disease could be saved – a key point of emphasis for October’s Healthy Lung Month.

The ALA reports that despite the low screening rate, lung cancer survival rates have improved; the five-year rate increased 22% from 2015 to 2019, reaching a new high of 28.4%.

"Increased lung cancer survival is attributable to advancements in research, better treatments and other factors," said Harold Wimmer, ALA National President and CEO. "However, lung cancer screening is the most immediate opportunity we have to save lives."

The ALA says 14.2 million Americans meet the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening guidelines: They are between 50-80 years old; have a 20 pack-year history (1 pack a day for 20 years or 2 packs a day for 10 years); and they are either current smokers or have quit within the last 15 years.

How to choose a health plan that helps employees

Employers can help by offering workplace awareness campaigns that educate employees about lung cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, and by encouraging screenings for eligible staff.

They can also fuel the fight against lung cancer by choosing reliable healthcare plans that cover both screenings for high-risk employees and treatments for those diagnosed with the disease. Employers can also offer smoking-cessation programs and coverage. Capital Blue Cross, for instance, offers free preventive services to help people kick tobacco products for good, from 180-day prescription services to smoking cessation counseling.

Also, many Capital Blue Cross employer and individual plans cover USPSTF-recommended lung cancer screenings for those at high risk, as well as many of the treatments for those diagnosed with the disease.

"While avoiding smoking can significantly lower the risk of lung cancer, it's hard to overemphasize screening's role in reducing severe complications - or even deaths - from the disease," Capital's Dr. Wigginton said. "So if you are at risk, talk to your regular healthcare provider regarding recommendations for screening."

Find out more from Capital Blue Cross about screening recommendations, and check herecheck here to find out if you, a friend, or a loved one should be screened.