Cancer guide

Lung cancer

The leading cause of cancer death in the US — early detection with low-dose CT and biomarker-driven treatment have changed the outlook dramatically.

What to know first

  • Low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 with a significant smoking history.
  • Biomarker testing (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, PD-L1) is now standard.
  • About 10–20% of lung cancers occur in people who never smoked.

When to see a doctor

  • A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks or changes character
  • Coughing up blood, even once
  • Unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss

Related guides

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