New technology may help diagnose lung cancer at earlier stages. VICTOR TORRES/Stocksy Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States but is treatable if detected early.
Treatment for lung cancer can involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
A newly developed technology can help detect cancer at the cellular level, which may help doctors to diagnose and treat lung cancer earlier.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwideTrusted Source and the third most commonTrusted Source cancer type in the United States.
The disease is often treatable when diagnosed in its early stages. So, experts are constantly working on new ways to detect lung cancer as early as possible so that people can receive prompt treatment.
While anyone can develop lung cancer, some risk factorsTrusted Source such as smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke increase a person’s risk. The treatment for lung cancer will depend on the type of lung cancerTrusted Source and the stage of the disease when detected. Doctors may utilize chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation as part of treatment.
Dr. William DahutTrusted Source, the chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society, explained to Medical News Today:
“Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Although the number of deaths per year is decreasing (due to decreased tobacco use, C.T. screening, and targeted therapies), it remains a very serious medical problem. Outcomes are much better if lung cancer is detected earlier.”
Dr. Jorge Gomez, a medical expert with the American Lung Association, further noted to MNT:
“Lung cancer is a disease that can often be cured in the early stages but becomes incurable once [the] cancer has spread. It is important to diagnose lung cancer before it spreads to increase the likelihood of a cure. Early detection initiatives such as C.T. screening are critical in finding small cancers before they spread.”
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTER Living with lung cancer? Here are the facts you need Get monthly treatment updates plus our 3-day series on symptoms, staging, and treatments for lung cancer.
Enter your email Your privacy is important to us Detecting lung cancer at the cellular level A recent studyTrusted Source published in Nature Communications focuses on a new method for detecting lung cancer at the cellular level, which could lead to earlier and more effective treatments.
