(SHREVEPORT, La) – In observance of World Lung Cancer Day on Aug. 1, CHRISTUS Health emphasizes the importance of early detection and routine screenings for the deadliest cancer among men and women in the U.S.

Lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

“Many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced,” said Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, oncologist with CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Shreveport. “For those at higher risk, regular screenings are essential to catch lung cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.”

Lung cancer originates in the lungs and may begin in the airways or the tiny air sacs. Smoking remains the leading risk factor.

“Individuals who smoke face the greatest threat,” Chintapalli said. “The longer and more heavily someone smokes, the higher their risk. The good news is that quitting significantly reduces that risk.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose CT scans for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history. These scans will identify abnormal cells before symptoms appear, offering more treatment options.

Common signs of lung cancer include:

• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

“To reduce your risk, we encourage patients to stop smoking, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, eat a balanced diet, stay active and get screened regularly,” Chintapalli said. “Establishing care with a primary physician is the first step in evaluating your health history and determining if screening is appropriate.”