Summary
A Forbes article warns that few eligible Americans get lung cancer screening the and cancellation of a USPSTF meeting could delay important updates, worsening underuse.
The article explains that even though lung cancer screening could save lives, very few people who should get screened actually do. In the U.S., only about 16% of people who meet the standard criteria end up getting a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening.
The screening test is simple and quick (just a special kind of X-ray) but many eligible people don’t know it exists or don’t know they qualify. Some avoid it because they are afraid of a possible cancer diagnosis, feel judged for smoking, or worry about radiation from the scan.
Doctors also play a role: fewer than one in ten primary care doctors regularly talk to eligible patients about lung cancer screening. Even when insurance covers the test, having to get prior approval or pay copays can discourage both doctors from recommending it and patients from following through.
Another concern: a recent cancellation of a planned United States Preventive Services Taskforce meeting might slow updates to national screening guidelines. Without new guidance, patients and doctors may stay unclear about who should get screened which could reduce screening even more. Better public education, clearer doctor-patient conversations, and updated guidelines are needed to improve lung cancer screening rates and save lives.
