World Lung Cancer Day: Early detection key to improved outcomes

Common signs of lung cancer include:

Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Hoarseness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Frequent respiratory infections

Lung cancer accounts for around 20 percent of cancer-related deaths, and smoking remains the leading cause. Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, an oncologist with CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport, said, “Individuals who smoke face the greatest threat. The longer and more heavily someone smokes, the higher their risk. The good news is that quitting significantly reduces that risk.”

A major reason lung cancer is so deadly is that people are typically diagnosed too late. Dr. Chintapalli explained, “Many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced,” said Dr. Neelima Chintapalli. For those at higher risk, regular screenings are essential to catch lung cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual CT scans for adults ages 50 to 80 who smoke or quit within the last 15 years and have or had a 20 pack per year smoking history. These scans can identify abnormal cells before symptoms appear.

Dr. Chintapalli recommends quitting as soon as possible. “To reduce your risk, we encourage patients to stop smoking, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, eat a balanced diet, stay active, and get screened regularly. Establishing care with a primary physician is the first step in evaluating your health history and determining if screening is appropriate.”