Doctor Highlights Importance Of Quitting Smoking And Getting Screened

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with smoking responsible for 90% of cases.

Dr. Stacy Chronister, an internal medicine specialist at OSU Medicine, emphasizes that quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce lung cancer risk.

"Stopping smoking will help you feel better in a lot of ways," Chronister said. "It decreases cardiovascular risk, lung cancer risk, and helps you breathe and move around better. But we still have that cancer risk even for a few years after you stop smoking."

She explained that the damage caused by smoking doesn't disappear overnight.

"Over time, those damaged cells start to grow as cancer. Sometimes, our body can take care of cancer cells, but other times, it can't—they hide really well," Chronister said. "Even up to 15 years after you stop smoking, you should be eligible for lung cancer screening."

Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screenings

Screening for lung cancer has advanced significantly. Today, low-dose CT scans are the gold standard for early detection. These scans use minimal radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

"For screenings, the guidelines are ages 50 to 80 with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history," Chronister said. "That means the number of packs you smoke per day multiplied by the number of years you've smoked. For instance, one pack a day for 20 years equals a 20-pack-year history."

Screenings are recommended for people who currently smoke or who quit less than 15 years ago. Most insurance plans cover these screenings as preventative care, provided patients meet the criteria.

Understanding Smoking's Impact on the Lungs

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage lung tissue, leading to the development of cancer over time.

"When you inhale, it's not just the tar or the nicotine—the addictive part—but also the chemicals in the smoke," Chronister said. "They damage the delicate tissues in your lungs, which are supposed to exchange oxygen with your bloodstream. The tissues harden and change, leading to cancerous growth."

The good news is that some lung damage is reversible. "Fifteen years after quitting, your lungs have likely healed enough to reduce your cancer risk significantly," Chronister said.

Early Detection Is Key

While older methods like chest X-rays and sputum tests often missed early-stage cancers, low-dose CT scans have revolutionized screening.

"Chest X-rays are good for picking up calcium or big structures, but lung tissue cancers don't have calcium, so we couldn't see them well," Chronister explained. "Low-dose CT scans provide detailed images with minimal radiation and can catch cancers early before symptoms appear."

Common symptoms of advanced lung cancer include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss, and hormonal changes caused by cancer cells. These symptoms often mean the disease has progressed, making early screenings critical.

"Screening offers peace of mind—either there's nothing to worry about, or we catch something early enough to monitor or treat effectively," Chronister said.

Insurance widely covers preventive screenings, making them accessible to eligible individuals.

For those at risk, taking action now could make all the difference.