Summary
Lung cancer screening significantly increases early detection and survival rates for at-risk US veterans, a new study finds.
A new study suggests that lung cancer screening could be saving the lives of U.S. veterans. The study, published in JCO Oncology Practice, looked at data from over 80,000 veterans who were eligible for lung cancer screening. The researchers found that veterans who were screened for lung cancer had a much higher chance of having their cancer detected early, when it’s most treatable.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, and veterans are at an even higher risk due to factors like exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange. Early detection is key to surviving lung cancer, as the chances of survival are much higher when the cancer is found before it spreads.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of lung cancer screening for veterans. Current guidelines recommend annual lung cancer screening for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. If you’re a veteran who meets these criteria, talk to your doctor about getting screened. It could save your life.
