Lung cancer grows silently for years; see who qualifies for screening

A Yale thoracic surgeon and national cancer-care leader says too many eligible Americans are skipping lung cancer screening, and the cost is measured in lives. Dr. Daniel J. Boffa, chair of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, addressed the gap in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, outlining what a low-dose CT scan involves, how physicians assess abnormal results, and why anxiety should not stand in the way of preventive care. Cancer can develop at any age and frequently produces no symptoms. For numerous cancer types, regular screening remains the most reliable path to early detection and a lower risk of death. Lung cancer presents a particular challenge: screening guidelines vary, the disease often lacks obvious warning signs, and it can affect both smokers and people who have never smoked.

Survival Benefit and Missed Opportunities

Boffa, who is also a thoracic surgeon at Yale University, described lung cancer screening as "one of the most powerful ways" to improve survival. "It reduces the chance of people dying of lung cancer by 20%," he told Fox News Digital. The proportion of Americans who qualify for screening but do not follow through translates to "tens of thousands of preventable deaths every year," Boffa said. Looking ahead, he sees a streamlined future for detection. "I'm hoping that within four or five years, a screening CT scan will only be confirmatory after they have a positive blood test done at your doctor's office," he added. In his view, that model could simplify screening and potentially catch more lung cancers.

Recognizing Symptoms — and Their Absence

Lary Robinson, M.D., an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that early-stage lung cancer usually produces no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they most often involve the lungs — a persistent cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood. Unexplained weight loss can stem from any form of cancer, according to the oncologist. Neurological signs, such as ongoing headaches, may also be a reason to consult a doctor.

Who Should Be Screened

Per the American Cancer Society (ACS), current guidelines call for an annual low-dose CT scan for individuals aged 50 to 80 who currently smoke, have a smoking history, or have accumulated at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. The ACS advises that before deciding to undergo screening, people should discuss with their healthcare providers what the screening is for and how it is performed, along with its benefits, limitations and potential harms.