The Importance of Lung Cancer Screening: Early Detection Changes Survival Rates

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer fatalities according to 2022 statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In Korea, it also holds the top spot for cancer mortality , making lung cancer more than just a disease; it is a serious public health issue.  

Why is Lung Cancer Dangerous?

The greatest danger of lung cancer lies in the fact that it rarely presents with specific symptoms in its early stages. Most patients only experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, or chest pain when the disease has significantly progressed. For this reason, more than half of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, when distant metastasis has already occurred. When cancer is discovered at an advanced stage, treatment options are limited, and survival rates drastically decrease, causing significant hardship for patients and their families.  

Despite the existence of effective early diagnostic methods, the persistent late detection in many patients can stem from a lack of public awareness, issues with access to screening, or misconceptions about the importance of screening. Beyond simply knowing that screening methods exist, there is a need for a strong message emphasizing why screening is "essential." This highlights the importance of public health communication that goes beyond providing information to induce behavioral change.

The Miracle of Early Detection Changing Survival Rates

The most effective way to reduce the high mortality rate of lung cancer is through 'early detection.' Discovering cancer before symptoms appear makes treatment much easier and significantly increases the patient's chances of survival.  

In fact, lung cancer screening using low-dose chest CT (LDCT) has been proven to dramatically increase early detection rates. According to the results of a domestic pilot project, the early detection rate of lung cancer through LDCT was 69.6%, which is approximately three times higher than the 20.7% early detection rate for general lung cancer patients.  

The effectiveness of LDCT has also been clearly demonstrated in large-scale international clinical studies. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) in the United States showed a remarkable 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality among participants who received LDCT screening compared to those who received chest X-rays. Furthermore, the NLST study also reported an approximately 7% reduction in overall mortality, once again emphasizing the importance of early detection. The NELSON trial conducted in Europe also confirmed that LDCT screening significantly reduced lung cancer mortality and notably improved the detection rate of Stage 1 lung cancer by 50-60%, greatly enhancing the possibility of early detection.  

Lung cancer is characterized by limited treatment options and rapidly decreasing survival rates as it progresses. Treatment for advanced cancer is often complex and long-term, leading to high medical costs, loss of patient productivity, and caregiving expenses, thus imposing a socioeconomic burden. Therefore, early detection of lung cancer goes beyond improving individual survival rates; it holds significant policy implications for enhancing the efficiency of national healthcare systems and reducing socioeconomic burdens. This suggests that investment in screening programs can lead to greater long-term cost savings.  

Lung Cancer Screening: Not an Option, but a Necessity

These research findings strongly suggest that regular screening for early lung cancer detection, especially low-dose CT scans, is not merely an option but an essential medical practice that saves lives. To reduce lung cancer mortality and improve patients' quality of life, it is crucial for high-risk individuals to actively participate in lung cancer screening, even if they show no symptoms.  

 

5-Year Survival Rates by Lung Cancer Stage

Note: The above survival rates are general statistics and may vary depending on individual condition and treatment methods. It can be seen that survival rates are significantly higher with early detection.

These research findings strongly suggest that regular screening for early lung cancer detection, especially low-dose CT scans, is not merely an option but an essential medical practice that saves lives. To reduce lung cancer mortality and improve patients' quality of life, it is crucial for high-risk individuals to actively participate in lung cancer screening, even if they show no symptoms.

Early detection is not just a statistic; it is a practical means of protecting someone's life. Beyond individual health, lung cancer screening can have a positive impact on families and society as a whole, making it an important preventive strategy that should no longer be delayed.