Lung Cancer Early Detection Method: Unknown to most Americans, Survey Says

Filed in archive Diagnostics on April 3, 2006

In the United States, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths. Even so, the federal government does not support early testing for lung cancer. A survey conducted and released by the Lung Cancer Alliance reveals that Americans are uninformed about options for lung cancer testing.

While approximately 163,000 Americans will die of lung cancer this year, fewer than two out of five Americans (37%) have ever talked to anyone about getting tested for lung cancer, according to the survey.

"The survey confirms a desperate need to educate Americans about lung cancer testing and underscores the need for new testing options," said Laurie Fenton, President of the Lung Cancer Alliance. "One of the most effective ways of improving outcomes for lung cancer patients is early and accurate diagnosis before the cancer has had a chance to spread. Currently, 70% of all lung cancer diagnoses are late stage -- a number that is simply unacceptable."

Most Americans may have heard of older tests for lung cancer (chest x-ray, MRI or CT scan), only one-fourth of the population know about a new and effective test, autofluorescence bronchoscopy: a new technology developed by Canadian company Xillix Technologies Corp. to test for lung cancer in its earliest stages.

Like the mantra on any cancer therapy, treatment at early detection always has the higher chance of succeeding. Find out more about autofluorescence bronchoscopy.

Photo Credit: Xillix Technologies Corp.