Common Questions About Lung Cancer Screening: Myths and Facts

Lung cancer is a disease that garners significant public attention and concern due to its high mortality rate. However, there are often misconceptions and misinformation circulating regarding lung cancer screening. Such misunderstandings can cause unnecessary anxiety or lead to delays in necessary screenings, missing opportunities for early detection. This article addresses 6 common questions and misconceptions about lung cancer screening to provide accurate medical information and foster a correct understanding.

1. Is Lung Cancer Contagious?

Lung cancer is not a contagious disease. It is not caused by infectious agents like bacteria or viruses, so being close to or in contact with a lung cancer patient does not transmit the disease to others. Correct understanding is crucial as this misconception can create unnecessary social prejudice.  

2. Do Symptoms like Coughing and Phlegm Appear in Early-Stage Lung Cancer?

Most early-stage lung cancers are asymptomatic. Even when lung cancer is quite advanced, it often remains asymptomatic. If symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, or chest pain appear, the lung cancer is often already in Stage 3 or higher. This misconception can lead people to believe they only need to get tested when symptoms appear, causing them to miss opportunities for early screening. When symptoms do appear, the cancer is often already significantly advanced, which can lead to poorer treatment outcomes. Therefore, dispelling this misconception is not just about conveying knowledge; it directly influences public health behaviors and ultimately helps reduce lung cancer mortality.  

3. Can Lung Cancer Be Detected Early with a Chest X-ray?

While a chest X-ray is a basic examination for diagnosing lung diseases, it has clear limitations in the early detection of lung cancer. Typically, tumors less than 5mm in diameter are not well visualized on chest X-rays, or are difficult to distinguish even if they appear. Furthermore, lesions in certain areas, such as behind the heart or where bones overlap, are difficult to detect with a chest X-ray. Research shows that screening using low-dose CT (LDCT) is more effective in reducing the risk of death from lung cancer than screening with chest X-rays. Therefore, if an 'abnormal shadow' is found on a chest X-ray during a health check-up, it is necessary to undergo a low-dose CT scan to confirm whether it is lung cancer.  

4. Can Moving to an Area with Good Air or Eating Lots of Vegetables/Fruits/Green Juices Cure or Prevent Lung Cancer?

The idea that 'moving to an area with good air improves lung cancer' is a misconception. The link between lung cancer development and air quality is minimal, and existing lung cancer will not be cured by moving to an area with good air. Additionally, misinformation, such as 'vegetables, fruits, and wild herb juices contain numerous cancer-suppressing substances that can cure lung cancer,' has spread on platforms like YouTube. Lung cancer patients should consume a balanced diet including meat, vegetables, and fruits. Nearly half of YouTube videos related to lung cancer contain misinformation, and these videos tend to have higher viewership. This indicates that while the public has a high demand for health information, it is difficult to discern the source and reliability of information. Therefore, it is crucial for trustworthy institutions and experts to actively provide accurate information and correct misconceptions.  

5. Does Quitting Smoking Reduce Lung Cancer Risk to That of a Non-Smoker?

Quitting smoking is the most important and effective method for preventing lung cancer. However, stopping smoking does not immediately reduce the risk of lung cancer to that of a non-smoker. According to the Korean Association for Lung Cancer, it takes at least 15 years after quitting smoking for the risk of lung cancer to decrease to non-smoker levels , and some studies suggest that the risk may still be higher than that of non-smokers even after 30 years. Therefore, even after quitting smoking, if you meet the national screening criteria, it is important to undergo regular screenings.  

6. Do Elderly Patients Over 70 Only Suffer from Chemotherapy?

The idea that elderly patients should not receive chemotherapy is incorrect. Even for elderly patients, it is important to consider their overall physical condition, the extent of cancer progression, and co-existing diseases to determine appropriate treatment. Modern medicine offers various treatment options that can minimize burden and maximize effectiveness for elderly patients. A patient's physical activity level and health status are more important factors in treatment decisions than their age.  

Key Myths and Facts About Lung Cancer Screening

Misconceptions about lung cancer screening are not just incorrect knowledge; they can sometimes lead to life-threatening avoidance of screening and delayed treatment. Therefore, a correct understanding of the necessity of screening, the accuracy of tests, and the interpretation of results is crucial.
Information found on the internet and in media is not always reliable, and health-related decisions must always be based on professional advice. Instead of unnecessary anxiety or false expectations, making informed decisions based on scientific evidence and medical advice is the most certain starting point for lung cancer prevention.