Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With nearly 250,000 people diagnosed each year, early detection is key to a successful outcome.
But lung cancer has few or even no symptoms in its early stages. Here, Ryan Levy, MD, chief of UPMC’s division of thoracic surgery, and Liza Villaruz, MD, medical oncologist at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, share how to proactively detect lung cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
Dr. Levy: Cough is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. Other symptoms, which may indicate more advanced disease, include:
- Coughing up blood.
- Weight loss.
- Worsening shortness of breath due to a tumor blocking part of the lung.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these late-stage symptoms of lung cancer.
Who Is Eligible for a Lung Cancer Screening?
Dr. Villaruz: You’re eligible for a lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 to 80 years old.
- Have smoked a pack a day for 20 years.
If you no longer smoke, you may still qualify for screening. For instance, if you quit within 15 years of your 50th birthday.
Talk to your doctor about a referral if you think you’re a candidate for a lung cancer screening.
What Does a Lung Cancer Screening Involve?
Dr. Villaruz: During a lung cancer screening, a respiratory therapist performs a low-dose CT scan of your chest. This two- to three-minute imaging test can reduce death from lung cancer by up to 20% for eligible, high-risk people.
How Do You Detect Lung Cancer?
Dr. Levy: When a radiologist finds an abnormality when reading your CT scan, they refer the nodule to a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. A nodule is an area of abnormal growth in the lungs from an infection, inflammation, scarring, or cancer.
Sometimes, radiologists detect nodules “incidentally,” meaning when reviewing scans performed for reasons unrelated to lung cancer.
UPMC has built multidisciplinary lung nodule clinics at almost all regional sites throughout the system. These teams of radiologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons review all concerning nodules from low-dose CT screenings.
How Do You Determine the Stage of Lung Cancer?
Dr. Villaruz: There are four stages of lung cancer, beginning with stage one. The lower the number, the earlier the stage.
If the stage goes up, it typically means the lung cancer has moved to a different part of the body. For instance, stage two or stage three lung cancer may involve the glands or lymph nodes in the middle of your chest. Once the cancer moves outside of the chest or lungs, we think about it as a stage four cancer.
What Lifestyle Changes Can People Make to Minimize the Risk of Lung Cancer?
Dr. Villaruz: Most lung cancers are smoking-related. So, quitting smoking is the biggest lifestyle factor you can control to reduce your personal risk.
But even if you’ve never picked up a cigarette in your life, you can still develop lung cancer. That’s why it’s important to be proactive in minimizing your risk by:
- Doing routine health maintenance.
- Monitoring for any symptoms.
- Seeing your doctor regularly, such as for your annual physical.
Why Should People Choose UPMC for Lung Cancer Care?
Dr. Villaruz & Dr. Levy: When it comes to detecting and treating lung cancer, UPMC uses a collaborative team approach. You can find experts in thoracic surgery and medical oncology across the UPMC system.
When you have a lung cancer diagnosis, a dedicated team of multidisciplinary doctors helps you through the process and treats your disease.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, call 412-647-2811, or visit Lung Cancer & Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment | UPMC.