Lung cancer, a “silent killer,” is associated with staggering statistics, including in Arkansas, where it took the lives of nearly 1,700 residents last year alone. Cancer Management and Research attribute the disease’s high mortality rate to advanced-stage diagnoses.

So, why is the potential of lowdose CT scans not being realized to find and treat lung cancer sooner? New research published by the American Cancer Society may offer hope by raising awareness of how these screenings can enhance patient outcomes.

In early June, a study in the American Cancer Society’s interdisciplinary journal reaffirmed the importance of early diagnosis in improving lung cancer mortality. Citing data from JAMA Oncology, the article contrasted the five-year survival rate for individuals with Stage I lung cancer at 68 percent to patients with metastatic lung cancer at just 6 percent. Yet, according to the American Lung Association, only 26.6 percent of cases are currently diagnosed at these early stages, often due to a lack of screening of eligible patients.

Unfortunately, Arkansas has witnessed firsthand the negative consequences of this gap. In its 2023 report, the American Lung Association stated that Arkansas’ screening rate with low-dose CT scans is 3.7 percent. This is well below the national average of 4.5 percent and especially dire considering our state’s high rate of smoking, the leading risk factor for lung cancer.

Previous data, including from the National Institutes of Health, found that low-dose CT scans led to a 20 percent reduction in lung cancer mortality. In the latest research spotlighted by the American Cancer Society, patients screened for lung cancer had double the rate of Stage I diagnoses compared to unscreened patients and a lower proportion of Stage IV diagnoses.

As a result, the study found these individuals had improved five-year overall survival rates at 50.2 percent in contrast to 27.9 percent of unscreened patients.

Screening saves lives because treatments are generally more effective when delivered earlier. It is why CARTI has long been a proponent of low-dose CT scans for lung cancer. Along with leading medical organizations, we strive to provide accessible and clear guidance on who should consider receiving these screenings. This includes current smokers or former smokers who are 50-80 years old with at least a 20-packyear smoking history and in generally good health with no history or symptoms of lung cancer.

CARTI also offers quick, convenient weekday appointments—at 30 minutes or less—for patients to receive low-dose CT scans at our cancer centers across the state.

The American Lung Association reported that the five-year survival rate for lung cancer in Arkansas has improved by 25 percent. However, we can—and should—do more to encourage low-dose CT scans.

If patients have smoked and have no symptoms of lung cancer, a screening could save their lives. Individuals who may be eligible or have loved ones who meet current guidelines to receive a low-dose CT scan may visit or call (501) 906-4470 to schedule an appointment.

Sam Makhoul, M.D., is the medical director of clinical research and a board-certified medical oncologist at CARTI, a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary cancer care provider with 18 locations across the state and Arkansas’ first dedicated cancer surgery center.