AMI Physicians

Lung Cancer Facts

Lung cancer is responsible for 1 out of every 3 cancer deaths and is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women. While heavy smokers are at the greatest risk for the disease, 60% of lung cancer patients are individuals who never smoked or who quit decades ago. Only 16% of lung cancers are diagnosed at their earliest, most curable stages. If caught early, patients can increase their treatment options while improving their outcomes and survival rate.

A recent study by the National Cancer Institute revealed encouraging news. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which consisted of 53,000 smokers and ex-smokers, showed that by using low dose CT to screen for lung cancer instead of a chest X-ray, deaths from lung cancer could be reduced by 20% over just five years.