Breaking Barriers: Why Increasing Lung Screening is Critical

Breaking Barriers: Why Increasing Lung Screening is Critical

Author: Hannah Horowitz, LCI Screening Saves Project Manager

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., yet it remains one of the most under-screened cancers. Despite the availability of low-dose CT scans that can detect lung cancer early- when treatment is most effective- screening rates remain shockingly low.

At Lung Cancer Initiative, we recognize that increasing screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives. That’s why we launched the Screening Saves program with goals to increase access to life-saving lung screenings across North Carolina.

But increasing screening rates isn’t just about availability- it’s about overcoming stigma, misinformation, and systemic barriers that prevent people from seeking care.

Why Early Detection is Critical

Lung cancer is often diagnosed too late. More than half of lung cancer cases are found at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited, and survival rates are low. However, when caught early:

• The five-year survival rate jumps to over 60%, compared to just 8% when diagnosed at a later stage.
• Treatment options are more effective, less invasive, and less costly.
• Patients have a significantly better quality of life and prognosis.

The problem? Only about 5%-15% of eligible individuals actually get screened for lung cancer.

The Stigma Surrounding Lung Cancer

Unlike other cancers, lung cancer carries a stigma that often prevents people from seeking help. Because the disease is strongly linked to smoking, many individuals feel judged or blamed- even though up to 20% of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked.

This stigma has real consequences:

• Patients may delay getting screened out of shame or fear of judgment.
• Screenings are not always proactively recommended.
• Public awareness campaigns for lung cancer receive far less funding and attention compared to other cancers, despite its high mortality rate.

We must shift the conversation from blame to action- because no one deserves lung cancer, and everyone deserves a chance at early detection.

Barriers to Screening: Why People Don’t Get Screened

Even when people want to get screened, they often face significant barriers, including:

Cost & Insurance Coverage

• While the Affordable Care Act mandates insurance coverage for lung cancer screenings, many people remain unaware that screenings are covered, leading to cost concerns.
• Those without insurance may face out-of-pocket expenses that can deter them from getting screened.

Education

• Many high-risk individuals do not know they are eligible for screening.
• Primary care physicians may not always discuss lung screenings as part of routine care.

Access & Transportation Issues

• Rural areas often lack the facilities and specialists needed to provide screenings.
• Many individuals face transportation or time-off challenges, making it difficult to schedule an appointment.

Fear 

• Some people fear being diagnosed and assume lung cancer is a death sentence, not realizing that early-stage lung cancer is highly treatable.
• Misinformation about screening procedures leads to anxiety about the test itself.

How the Screening Saves Program is Making a Difference

LCI’s Screening Saves program is designed to break down these barriers and ensure more people have access to life-saving screenings. The program provides education and outreach to increase awareness among both patients and healthcare providers and works with community partners, FQHCs, and patient navigators to help empower individuals to schedule screenings and access necessary follow-up care.

Through these efforts, we are changing the narrative around lung cancer and ensuring that more people get screened, diagnosed early, and have a fighting chance at survival.

What You Can Do

• Check your eligibility: If you are between 50-80 years old, have a history of smoking, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, you may qualify for a free or low-cost lung cancer screening.
• Talk to your doctor: Many people only get screened after their doctor brings it up- so if your doctor hasn’t mentioned it, ask!
• Spread awareness: Share this information with friends, family, and loved ones. Early detection saves lives, and the more people who know about screenings, the better.

Lung screening is one of the most effective ways to save lives, but stigma, cost, and misinformation continue to prevent people from seeking care. By expanding access, breaking down barriers, and changing the conversation, we can ensure that more people get screened, diagnosed early, and given the best possible chance at survival.

At Lung Cancer Initiative, we believe that Screening Saves– because when lung cancer is caught early, lives are saved.

Want to learn more? Visit LCI’s Screening Saves program page to find out how you or a loved one can access a screening today.