Why more people are surviving lung cancer

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, contributing to about one in every five cancer deaths. While that is a sobering statistic, there is encouraging news: Advances in screening and treatment are improving outcomes for people with the disease.

In fact, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer has increased by 26% over the past five years, reaching almost 30%. Earlier detection and personalized treatment options are contributing to that progress, underscoring the importance of lung cancer screening and advances in lung cancer.

“Today, there are more tools than ever to find lung cancer sooner and develop treatment plans tailored to each patient and their specific type of cancer,” says Dr. William Tisol, thoracic surgeon at Aurora Health Care, now part of Advocate Health.

How lung cancer treatment is improving

One of the most important developments has been the increased use of low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans for people at high risk for lung cancer. These screenings can often detect cancer before symptoms develop, when the disease is easier to treat.

Personalized medicine is also playing a growing role in lung cancer care. Through biomarker testing and targeted therapies, doctors can identify genetic changes that may be driving a patient’s cancer and match them with treatments designed specifically for those abnormalities. These therapies are often more precise and can improve outcomes for eligible patients.

Advances in technology are also improving diagnosis and treatment. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopies allow physicians to obtain more precise biopsies of suspicious lung nodules, while robotic surgical procedures can help remove early-stage lung cancers with smaller incisions and fewer complications.

“The progress seen in recent years offers hope that as screening rates increase and treatments continue to advance, even more lives can be saved from lung cancer,” Dr. Tisol says.

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