The Silent Killer: Lung Cancer

Authored By: Maya Gowda

Art By: Vanessa Chen Hsieh In many countries across the world, lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality [1]. The development of lung cancer can be attributed to factors such as smoking, pollution exposure, and genetic predisposition. Oftentimes, early symptoms of lung cancer are unnoticed, leaving many people unaware of them. Specific types of lung cancer can also metastasize to other parts of the body such as the brain or the breasts, which can have devastating effects on both the physical and mental health of a person.

Historically, there is a higher prevalence of lung cancer in communities composed of people who earn lower incomes and people of color. Tobacco industries prey on these communities with advertisements to boost consumerism. As a result minorities disproportionately develop lung cancer [2]. Many studies have been conducted to determine smoking patterns and tobacco consumerism patterns amongst different races [3]. Black people are more likely to smoke cigarettes, making them ineligible for lung cancer screenings [3]. Additionally, Black people in rural areas are more likely to obtain lung cancer than those in urban areas [3]. Rural healthcare centers are also less likely to have the resources to conduct lung cancer screenings as opposed to healthcare centers in urban areas [3].

To reduce the incidence of lung cancer, many people complete lung cancer screenings. An annual screening is highly recommended for asymptomatic individuals, especially those who have a long history of smoking or a genetic predisposition to lung cancer [4]. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early stage can help doctors determine the best treatment plans and prevent the cancer from metastasizing to other parts of the body [4]. However, there are limitations to lung cancer screenings which people should be informed about. A primary concern is the exposure to radiation during the screenings [5]. Additionally, if people are recommended to receive more screenings, then they may be exposed to an even higher amount of radiation [5].

Lung cancer screenings are less likely to be completed by minority groups due to a lack of screening options and financial constraints. To increase accessibility to lung cancer screenings, there are a number of organizations, such as Lungevity, which are committed to research, advocacy, and implementation of lung cancer screenings [5]. These organizations fight to give access to screenings to communities battling poor air quality and poor living conditions. For instance, agricultural workers who work long hours outdoors and may be exposed to air pollution should be made aware of the availability and importance of lung cancer screenings. There are instances where healthcare providers may be unaware of the availability of lung cancer screenings [2]. Education about the importance of lung cancer screenings can also encourage people to receive screenings, especially if they smoke regularly or are genetically predisposed to lung cancer. Integrating awareness of lung cancer screenings in educational programs can help decrease lung cancer mortality rates nationally and internationally.

Resources

1. Lung cancer statistics. (n.d.). World Cancer Research Fund. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/lung-cancer-statistics/

   
   

2. Early Lung Cancer Center | LUNGevity Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.lungevity.org/early-lung-cancer-center

   
   

3. Racial and socioeconomic disparities in lung cancer screening in the United States: A systematic review—Sosa—2021—CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians—Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21671

   
   

4. Lung Cancer Early Detection | Lung Cancer Screening. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html

   
   

5. Haddad, D. N., Sandler, K. L., Henderson, L. M., Rivera, M. P., & Aldrich, M. C. (2020). Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening: A Review. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 17(4), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201907-556CME