Why Lung Cancer Screening Matters in 2025
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States — claiming more lives than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. But despite its deadly toll, lung cancer remains one of the most under-discussed when it comes to regular screening.
As we mark World Lung Day on August 1, FirstHealth is shining a light on the impact of early detection.
“If we catch it early, it’s curable,” said Bradley Icard, D.O., board certified specialist in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine and the medical director of FirstHealth’s Lung Screening Program.
Dr. Icard recently joined FirstHealth Pulmonology and Pinehurst Medical Clinic and brings extensive experience in lung cancer screening and advanced bronchoscopy, with a strong commitment to improving early detection and patient outcomes.
How Early Detection Boosts Lung Cancer Survival Rates
Lung cancer screening, he explains, is surprisingly simple, painless and effective. Eligible patients—generally adults aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking—undergo a low-dose CT scan that takes less than 10 minutes. The scan can help to detect small pulmonary nodules before they cause symptoms. “It only takes 320 lung cancer screening CTs to save a life,” Icard emphasizes, a stark contrast to the 900 mammograms or up to 1,800 colonoscopies needed to achieve similar outcomes.
The screening is available to patients with a 20-pack-year smoking history — defined as smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years—and who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
If abnormalities are detected, Dr. Icard and his team can use advanced robotic bronchoscopy to biopsy nodules with precision and minimal discomfort—no stitches, no hospital stay. “We’re doing more than 20 robotic bronchoscopies a month,” he says. “We’re identifying small tumors early, when they’re still highly treatable.”
FirstHealth's Lung Screening Program: What to Expect
Dr. Icard’s expertise further strengthens FirstHealth’s commitment to delivering world-class lung care close to home. He joins a multidisciplinary team in the FirstHealth Chest Center—a hub of collaboration between pulmonologists, radiologists, surgeons and oncologists focused on early diagnosis and streamlined care.
For Dr. Icard, the results speak volumes. “Patients with stage 1 lung cancer under 10 millimeters in size have a 95% five-year survival rate,” he notes. “Compare that to advanced stages, where 85% of patients won’t survive five years despite treatment. The difference early detection makes is everything.”
This World Lung Day, FirstHealth encourages everyone to breathe easier by learning more about lung cancer screening. If you or a loved one may qualify, talk to your provider or visit firsthealth.org/lung to take the first step.
Saving Lives One Mile at a Time
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For patients who face barriers to transportation or live in rural areas, FirstHealth is meeting them where they are—literally. The Lung Bus, a mobile imaging unit equipped with a 40-slice low-dose CT scanner, travels throughout the region to bring life-saving lung cancer screenings into communities.
Made possible by the generous support of the Foundation of FirstHealth, the Lung Bus has already screened hundreds of patients, with multiple lung nodules detected early thanks to this effort.
“It only takes 320 lung cancer screenings to save a life, compared to nearly 1,800 colonoscopies or 900 mammograms,” Dr. Icard explained. “These screenings are critical—and we’re making them accessible.”
Why Screen for Lung Cancer?
- Only 320 scans needed to save one life
- 75% of lung cancers are found too late without screening
- About 90% of stage 1 cancers are completely treatable, so early screening is essential
Who Qualifies for a Lung Cancer Screening?
- Adults ages 50–80
- 20+ pack-year smoking history
- Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years
To learn more about lung screenings or find a Lung Bus location near you, visit www.firsthealth.org/lungbus or call (910) 715-LUNG.
