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Key Facts:
- What: Pope Leo was treated for adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.
- Why it matters: His diagnosis brings attention to screening and treatment of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
- Key takeaway: Learn the current guidelines for lung cancer screening and understand if you qualify.
The recent news that Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery confirming adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, has raised questions about lung cancer risk, screening, and treatment. While a lung cancer diagnosis can be frightening, advances in screening and care are helping doctors identify more cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Who should be screened for lung cancer?
Lung cancer screening is designed for people at the highest risk of developing the disease. Initial screening begins with a primary care provider, who can determine whether a patient meets the criteria for annual screening with a low-dose CT scan.Current guidelines recommend screening for individuals who:
- Are between the ages 50 and 80.
- Currently smoke or have smoked in the past 15 years.
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (for example, one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years).
The goal of screening is to detect lung nodules at early stages, when treatment is often more effective.
Why screening matters
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, in part because it does not often cause symptoms until it has reached a more advanced stage. The good news is that early detection can make a significant difference. Studies have shown that low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals by helping them identify cancer at early stages when treatment is most effective. A low-dose CT scan is a quick, noninvasive imaging test that uses a lower amount of radiation than a standard CT scan while providing detailed images of the lungs. It is the recommended screening tool for people at high risk of developing lung cancer.How is lung cancer found early?
Unfortunately, many lung cancers are still diagnosed at stage 4, after the disease has spread beyond the lungs, becoming metastatic.For patients who qualify, annual CT scans can help identify suspicious nodules early. In some cases, lung nodules are also discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. Because these scans can capture part of the chest, they may reveal nodules that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
It’s important to remember that most lung nodules are benign and do not represent cancer.
What about lung cancer in non-smokers?
While smoking remains the leading risk factor for lung cancer, doctors are seeing more cases in people who have never smoked.Certain groups, including women of East Asian descent, appear to have a higher risk, though the reasons are not yet fully understood. At the same time, advances in imaging technology are helping physicians detect smaller lung abnormalities than ever before, leading to more diagnoses at earlier stages.
Even for people who don’t smoke, staying up to date on routine medical care and talking with your doctor about any concerning symptoms remains important.
What happens if a suspicious nodule is found? When a concerning nodule is identified on a screening scan or other imaging test, additional testing is usually needed.
This typically includes:
- A diagnostic chest CT scan.
- A PET scan to evaluate metabolic activity within the nodule.
Depending on the size and location of the nodule, a patient may undergo a biopsy or proceed directly to surgery. Pathologists examine the tissue to confirm whether cancer is present and determine the stage of the disease.
How is lung cancer treated?
Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is when it is discovered.When lung cancer is found early and remains localized, surgery may be all that’s needed, followed by ongoing surveillance and imaging. If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, additional treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy may be recommended. Genetic testing of the tumor can help guide these decisions and identify the most effective treatment options.
Can quitting smoking still make a difference?
Absolutely. While smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, quitting at any age can help reduce your risk. Even long-time smokers can benefit from smoking cessation, which lowers the likelihood of developing lung cancer and improves overall lung and heart health.If you’re ready to quit, talk with your healthcare provider about available resources and support programs. Quitting remains the single most important step you can take to lower your risk of lung cancer.
Know Your Risk and Speak Up
Even if you do not meet current screening criteria, it’s important to understand your risk factors and be aware of symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath.Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for your health. Talk with your primary care provider if you have concerns, keep up with the recommended screenings, and seek medical attention if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against lung cancer.
