A new study has found that only 13% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer had undergone the recommended low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening before their diagnosis, highlighting a major gap in early cancer detection.
Researchers say low-dose CT screening can identify lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and survival rates are significantly higher. Despite established screening guidelines for high-risk individuals—particularly long-term smokers—most eligible patients are still not receiving the recommended scans.
Health experts attribute the low screening rate to limited awareness, lack of access to screening programs, and missed referrals by healthcare providers. They stress that increasing public awareness, improving physician recommendations, and expanding access to low-dose CT screening could help detect more cases early and reduce lung cancer-related deaths.
The findings underscore the urgent need for stronger implementation of lung cancer screening programs and greater efforts to ensure that high-risk individuals receive timely preventive care.
