New campaign encourages use of ‘breakthrough’ lung-cancer scan

New York – The American Lung Association has launched a public education campaign to promote what it calls a “groundbreaking” test that can help detect lung cancer in its early stages.

Saved by the Scan, created in conjunction with the Ad Council and creative agency Hill Holliday, launched on World Lung Cancer Day (Aug. 1).

About 9 million people in the United States are at high risk for lung cancer, according to the association. This includes people who are 55-80 years old (or 55-77 and on Medicare), have a “30 pack year history” of smoking (one pack per day for 30 years, two packs per day for 15 years, etc.), and are a current smoker or have quit in the past 15 years.

The association also announced the launch of SavedByTheScan.org, where people at high risk for lung cancer can take a screening eligibility quiz. The website includes information on insurance coverage and understanding test results, a link to help find the nearest screening center, and tips for communicating with health care professionals.

Other statistics included in the campaign:

• Lung cancer causes 426 deaths a day – 18 per hour or one every three-and-a-half minutes.
• The five-year survival rate is 17.7 percent, one of the lowest for any cancer.
• That survival rate is about five times higher when lung cancer is detected early, which most cases are not.

“Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths, and lung cancer screening for individuals at high risk is truly the breakthrough we need to save more lives and help turn the tide against lung cancer,” American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold Wimmer said in a press release. “Lung cancer screening is a powerful opportunity to save lives by diagnosing the disease in early stages when the disease is more curable. Screening can potentially save thousands of lives, and through this campaign, we hope to empower and motivate former and current smokers to learn more about their screening options.”