Author: Molly Lindquist
Medically reviewed by Dr. Doug Blayney on September 22, 2024.
Can lung cancer be detected early? We’re going to answer that today. We'll start by explaining what lung cancer is and why finding it early matters so much. Then, we'll look at the early warning signs to watch out for and the different ways doctors can check for lung cancer before it causes big problems. We'll also talk about who should think about getting checked and why it can sometimes be tricky to spot lung cancer early. Finally, we'll explore some exciting new ideas scientists are working on to find lung cancer even sooner. By the end of this article, you'll have a good understanding of lung cancer early detection, from the basics to the latest research.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Before we talk about finding lung cancer early, let's understand what it is. Lung cancer happens when cells in our lungs start growing out of control. These cells can form tumors and make it hard for our lungs to work properly.
There are two main types of lung cancer:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type. It grows and spreads more slowly than the other type.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): This type is less common but can grow and spread faster.
Both types can be serious, but finding them early can make a big difference. There are also many targetable mutations in lung cancer that can impact the type of treatment that is most effective. We did a podcast episode with Kimary Kulig, PhD about biomarker testing that gives you more information about that.
More information about lung cancer to check out:
Patient from Hell podcast Episode 73: From Doctor to Lung Cancer Patient, Dr. Sydney Barned’s Story
What is biomarker testing and why is it important for lung cancer patients?
Why Is It Important to Find Lung Cancer Early?
Finding lung cancer early is super important! Here's why:
- When doctors find lung cancer early, they have more ways to treat it.
- Early treatments are often less harsh on your body.
- People who find lung cancer early often have a better chance of getting better.
- Early detection can help people live longer and feel better.
Think of it like finding a small hole in your favorite shirt. If you find it early, it's easier to fix. But if you wait too long, the hole gets bigger and harder to repair. It's the same with lung cancer – finding it early makes it easier to treat.
What Are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?
Sometimes, lung cancer can be tricky because it doesn't always show signs right away. But there are some things to watch out for:
- A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse
- Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough, or laugh
- Feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored spit
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to talk to a doctor. Remember, these signs could be caused by other things too, but it's always better to check!
How Do Doctors Look for Lung Cancer Early?
Doctors have some special ways to look for lung cancer before it causes problems. Let's look at the main ways:
Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Scans
This is the best way doctors have right now to find lung cancer early. Here's how it works:
- You lie on a table that slides into a big donut-shaped machine.
- The machine takes special X-ray pictures of your lungs.
- It uses less radiation than regular CT scans, so it's safer.
- It can spot very small tumors before they cause symptoms.
LDCT scans are good at finding lung cancer early, especially in people who have a higher risk of getting it.
Other Tests
Doctors sometimes use other tests too, but they're not as good at finding lung cancer early:
- Sputum Cytology: This test looks at the mucus you cough up for cancer cells.
- Chest X-rays: These can show big tumors, but they're not great at finding small ones.
New Ways to Find Lung Cancer
Scientists are always looking for better ways to find lung cancer early. Some new ideas they're working on include:
- Blood tests that can spot signs of lung cancer
- Smart computers that can help doctors find cancer in scans more easily
- Better ways to look at the DNA of cancer cells
These new methods aren't ready for everyone to use yet, but they might help us find lung cancer even earlier in the future.
Who Should Get Checked for Lung Cancer?
Not everyone needs to get checked for lung cancer. Doctors usually recommend checks for people who:
- Are between 50 and 80 years old, and
- Have smoked a lot (about a pack a day for 20 years or more), and
- Still smoke or quit within the last 15 years
If you're worried about lung cancer, it's always okay to talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if you need to get checked.
Why Is It Sometimes Hard to Find Lung Cancer Early?
Even though we have good ways to look for lung cancer, it can still be hard to find sometimes. Here's why:
- Lung cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until it's bigger and may have spread to organs outside of the lung.
- Some people don't have easy access to doctors or hospitals for check-ups.
- The tests can be expensive, and not everyone can afford them.
- Some people are scared to get checked because they're worried about what the doctor might find.
These are real problems, but doctors and scientists are working hard to make it easier for everyone to get checked for lung cancer.
What's Next in Finding Lung Cancer Early?
The future looks bright! Scientists are working on some really interesting things to help find lung cancer even earlier:
- Better, clearer scans that can spot even tinier tumors
- Smart computer programs that can help find cancer that human eyes might miss
- New blood tests that can show signs of lung cancer before it causes any problems
These new ideas are exciting, but it will take time before they're ready for everyone to use. For now, the best thing we can do is use the tools we have and keep learning more about lung cancer.
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Conclusion
Finding lung cancer early is super important. It can make treatment easier and help people live longer, healthier lives. Here are the key things to remember:
- Know the early signs of lung cancer and talk to a doctor if you notice them.
- If you're at higher risk for lung cancer, ask your doctor about getting checked.
- Scientists are working hard to find even better ways to spot lung cancer early.
Remember, knowledge is power! By learning about lung cancer and how to find it early, you're taking a big step in protecting your health and the health of those you care about.
FAQs about lung cancer early detection
Why is finding lung cancer early so important?
Finding lung cancer early means doctors can treat it before it spreads. This often leads to better results and can help people live longer, healthier lives.
What are some early signs of lung cancer?
Early signs can include a cough that doesn't go away, chest pain, trouble breathing, unexplained weight loss, and feeling very tired all the time.
How do doctors check for lung cancer early?
The main way is with a low-dose CT scan, which takes special pictures of your lungs to look for small tumors.
How good are low-dose CT scans at finding lung cancer early?
They're the best tool we have right now. They can find small tumors before they cause symptoms, which can make a big difference in treatment.
Who should think about getting checked for lung cancer?
People between 50 and 80 who have smoked a lot (about a pack a day for 20 years or more) and still smoke or quit in the last 15 years should talk to their doctor about getting checked.
Are there new ways to find lung cancer early that are being worked on?
Yes! Scientists are working on blood tests, smarter computer programs to look at scans, and other new ideas to find lung cancer even earlier.
What makes it hard to find lung cancer early sometimes?
Lung cancer often doesn't cause symptoms early on, and some people don't have easy access to doctors or can't afford the tests.
Can lung cancer be found early if there are no symptoms?
Yes, that's why screening tests like low-dose CT scans are so important. They can find lung cancer before it causes any noticeable problems.
Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.