This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re bringing back H.O.P.E. – Helping Others Persevere through Experience. Since November ‘23, H.O.P.E. has allowed us to introduce you to diverse voices in the lung cancer space, including people living with lung cancer long-term, people newly diagnosed, and people who have survived.
This year, we’re trying something new. We’re introducing you to someone who doesn’t have lung cancer – but who’s at high risk. It’s helping us start an urgent conversation about lung cancer screening.
Meet Margo
Margo lives with another serious lung condition – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD increases Margo’s risk of lung cancer.
The Link Between COPD and Lung Cancer
In Margo’s home province of Ontario, over half (55%) of people living with lung cancer also have COPD, with nearly 10% of those having undiagnosed COPD at the time of their cancer diagnosis.i
Research shows that COPD and lung cancer often overlap, because both are caused by long-term damage to the lungs — most commonly from smoking, but sometimes from other exposures like air pollution or workplace chemicals.
Why Margo Mentions Her Smoking History
In Canada, people between certain ages with a history of smoking are often eligible for screening programs (more on that in a moment!)
It’s important to remember that smoking history is a screening eligibility factor, not a reason for shame. What matters now is staying informed, getting the right care, and supporting one another without judgment. Margo’s smoking history makes her eligible for screening – it doesn’t mean that she deserves lung cancer. Nobody does.
Lung Cancer Screening (And Why it Matters)
Margo is empowered! She made the decision to pursue lung cancer screening. Screening involves testing people who may be at risk for cancer but do not have any symptoms and generally feel well. There is only one recommended type of lung cancer screening test, and that’s low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT (LDCT) for short.
LDCT scans are not risk-free. That’s why lung cancer screening is only offered to people who meet certain eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, getting screened can help find lung cancer early — when treatment can work best. A person’s smoking history is part of the criteria.
Try this handy flow-chart to see what your next move should be:
But What if I DO Have Symptoms?
Respiratory symptoms are always worth checking out. You do not need to be eligible for a lung cancer screening program to raise your concerns with a healthcare provider and advocate for further testing! Learn more about symptoms to watch for here.
Lung Cancer Screening Across Canada
Organized lung cancer screening programs detect disease at earlier stages, when treatment options are more effective and survival outcomes improve. However, only three provinces have fully implemented lung cancer screening programs. The Lung Health Foundation is advocating for all provinces to close these gaps.
Thank you, Margo.
Margo’s story reminds us that awareness and action can make a difference. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s keep the conversation going — about prevention, screening, and H.O.P.E.
If you have questions about lung cancer, COPD, or other lung conditions, we’re here to help. Email our community navigator at patientsupport@lunghealth.ca.
