What to know about lung cancer after Pope Leo’s diagnosis

After Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican announced that he had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. Reports say his cancer was found early, before it spread to other parts of the body, and the surgery was completed successfully.

This news about the leader of the Catholic Church is shining a light on lung cancer—a cancer that continues to be highly stigmatized and has the lowest screening rates of any routine cancer screening.

Despite its link to cigarette smoking, lung cancer is not limited to people who smoke—anyone can get lung cancer. Here’s what you need to know.

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms of lung cancer in early stages. When present, some people experience symptoms that can include:

• A cough that does not go away or worsens
• Coughing up blood
• Constant or intermittent and unexplained chest pain
• Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Hoarseness lasting a long time
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired all the time

Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

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Screening

Lung cancer screening is currently limited to people who are at increased risk due to a history of smoking cigarettes. If you smoke cigarettes or used to smoke cigarettes, talk to your doctor about getting screened with a low-dose CT scan, an easy and painless screening procedure. Low-dose CT scans are fast and utilize up to 90% less radiation than traditional CT scans.

Lung cancer screening is recommended for people ages 50-80 who have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking cigarettes.

Treatment

Treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the type of tumor cells, the stage of the cancer, the presence or absence of certain proteins or genetic mutations, and your medical condition.

Treatment options can include surgery (the usual treatment for early stages of lung cancer), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Who is at increased risk?

Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer; about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. But it is not the only factor that increases your risk. It is important to be aware of all your personal risk factors and to discuss them with your health care provider.

You are at increased risk for lung cancer if you:

• Smoke or have a history of smoking—even if you quit a long time ago.
• Have had heavy exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Were exposed to indoor or outdoor air pollution.
• Have had a job with exposure to radiation.
• Were exposed to certain toxic substances, such as arsenic, radon or asbestos.
• Have a personal or family history of lung cancer.

How can I reduce my risk?

It’s important to understand that even if you are engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as smoking, no one deserves lung cancer. If you smoke or used to smoke, the most important thing is to talk to your health care provider so you can get screened and have the best chance at a healthy future.

It’s never too late to quit. Quitting smoking has near-immediate benefits to your cancer risk and overall health.

You may also reduce your risk of lung cancer through these lifestyle-related modifications:

• Avoid all forms of tobacco.
• Stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Consult with your health care provider before taking any supplements.
• Make your home and community smoke-free.
• Test your home for radon.

Remember, anyone can get lung cancer, but Early Detection = Better Outcomes. Know your risk factors and talk to your health care provider about what you can do to stay ahead of lung cancer.

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Find out what other screenings you may need to check your health.