Lung cancer can be curable if found early enough. There has been new developments in the screening of lung cancer by spiral CT scanning. This has demonstrated that lung cancer, of any type, can be detected at a much earlier stage than with standard radiographic procedures, i.e. chest X-ray. This procedure which uses commonly found technology in our new 21st century is not currently covered by most insurances. However the early detection of lung cancer increases the treatment options.
Surgery can play a more important and more definitive role.
Radiation, especially three dimensional conformal therapy can be much more effective. The complications of treatment can be reduced many fold by early detection. Some medical professionals claim that a negative CT scan in a high risk patient may reduce their personal fear of cancer and thus allow the patient to continue to smoke, however, I believe this is a patronizing attitude towards a habit which is often used as an excuse to focus blame. I do not believe it is in the realm of medical responsibility to asses guilt. We should maintain our primary goal of treatment with compassion and understanding.