Too Many Lung Cancers, Too Few Screenings

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.

Yet screening rates for this deadly disease are alarmingly low.

A recent American Lung Association (ALA) report revealed that only a sliver – 5.8% – of eligible Americans have been screened for lung cancer. In some states, the rate is as low as 1%.

While Pennsylvania’s rate exceeds the national average, it still languishes at 7.4%. To put that in human terms, more than 92 out of every 100 Pennsylvanians at high risk for lung cancer fails to get screened.

“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.”
— Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer

“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 230,000 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 26.6%.

“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.

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

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 here to find out if you, a friend, or a loved one should be screened.