INDIANAPOLIS — Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States. Every year, lung cancer claims more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. The reason is it so deadly? It often spreads without showing any symptoms, making early detection crucial. That's where screening can make a difference.
Low-dose CT scans: A quick screening tool that could save your life
Lung cancer screening typically involves a low-dose CT scan, which takes just a few minutes. However, despite its proven effectiveness, too few eligible patients take advantage of this life-saving test.
Dr. Anthony Ascioti, the chief of surgery at Ascension St. Vincent, says lung cancer screening remains underutilized.
“It’s still a very underutilized screening tool,” Ascioti said. “Unfortunately, we only screen about 5% of eligible people in this state, which is a real concern.”
In comparison, the screening rates for other cancers, such as breast, colon and prostate cancer, are much higher, around 70%" Ascioti said. “We’re doing a poor job, and we need to get the word out that lung cancer screening can help save lives.”
A real-life example: Bob Lindgren’s journey
Bob Lindgren, 74, is a prime example of someone who benefited from early lung cancer screening. A longtime smoker–57 years to be exact–Lindgren logically knew he should have been tested sooner. However, life got in the way.
“I felt fine,” Lindgren recalled. “There were absolutely no indications—no shortness of breath, nothing.”
At his annual appointment, Lindgren's primary care doctor recommended a low-dose CT scan, and he agreed to make an appointment. The results were surprising: Doctors found an early-stage tumor in Lindgren's right lung. Fortunately, the cancer was treatable. He underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of his right lung, and just six weeks later, he was healthy enough to travel with his family to Churchill Downs.
Ascioti is optimistic about Lindgren's prognosis, noting that when lung cancer is caught early, it can be curable.
“Studies show that if we find something early–before the cancer actually causes symptoms–then it can be curable,” Ascioti said.
Lindgren's advice: Don’t wait—get screened
Now celebrating over 50 years of marriage, Lindgren is not only grateful for his health but is also looking forward to more milestones with his family. His advice to others is clear: If you are over 50 and have a history of smoking, get screened.
“It’s better to know,” Lindgren said, urging others to talk to their doctors about lung cancer screening.
Who should get screened?
If you're over the age of 50 and are a current or former heavy smoker, it's time to have a conversation with your doctor about lung cancer screening. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could save your life.
Stop smoking and get screened
If you want help to stop smoke, call Indiana's Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Lung cancer screenings are available at area Ascension St. Vincent locations through Check Up 13.
For more information or to register for a screening, visit WTHR.com or call the Check Up 13 hotline, open now through midnight.
Key takeaways:
- Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S., but it’s often caught too late.
- Low-dose CT scans are quick, non-invasive and can detect lung cancer early—before symptoms appear.
- Bob Lindgren is living proof that early detection can save lives. After a routine screening, he was able to treat a tumor before it spread.
- If you're over 50 and have a history of smoking, talk to your doctor about getting screened for lung cancer.