Doctors Say Lung Cancer Is Still the Deadliest Cancer, But Hope Is Growing

Key Takeaways

Lung cancer causes 1 in 4 U.S. cancer deaths

But experts say early CT screening can cut deaths by as much as 20%

Quitting smoking is the best step folks can take to lower lung cancer risk

TUESDAY, Nov. 11, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., responsible for about 1 in 4, but major advances in screening , surgery and personalized treatment are helping more patients live longer.

“Lung cancer screening is the most powerful tool to reduce deaths from lung cancer to happen in my lifetime,” Dr. Daniel Boffa of Yale School of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) said in a news release.

Low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer early and cut the risk of death by up to 20%, according to the National Canc