More lung cancer screenings could save lives — yet few eligible adults are…
What if a simple screening could catch lung cancer early? Experts say increasing lung cancer screening rates is key. Yet, a stark reality emerges: only about 1 in 5 eligible U.S. adults underwent low-dose CT (LDCT) screening in 2024. This points to a significant gap in preventive care.
New research highlighted by The New York Times emphasizes the critical role of these screenings. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Low-dose CT scans are recommended for high-risk individuals. These include current or former heavy smokers.
But why the low uptake? Barriers remain, including awareness and access issues. Experts are calling for greater public awareness campaigns. They aim to lift the stigma surrounding lung cancer screenings too. This is a preventable tragedy unfolding.
The challenge now is to bridge this gap. Expanding access and educating the public could be life-saving. What will it take to get more people screened? Share your thoughts below.