Lung cancer remains the deadliest form of cancer, largely because it is often found too late. Most people at risk have a history of smoking, yet stigma and fear keep many from getting screened. Early detection through low-dose CT scans can save lives, but only if those at highest risk know they qualify and take action. 

Here’s the reality: lung cancer is one of the most preventable forms of late-stage cancer, but active screening is essential.

The facts that matter

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, across every race and background.
• It takes more lives in the United States each year than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined.
• Only 25% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive five years or more, but when caught through annual low-dose CT screening, the 20-year survival rate climbs to 81%.
• In people diagnosed at 55 or younger, lung cancer is more common in women than men.
• Detecting lung cancer at Stage 1 instead of Stage 4 improves five-year survivability by more than 8x and reduces treatment costs by over $300,000.

The problem: almost no one is getting screened

Despite the data, screening rates remain low. In 2022, only 18% of eligible people were screened.

Among the populations served through Color’s Virtual Cancer Clinic, the health benefit that employers, unions, and health plans offer their employees and members, we have seen even lower baseline rates. Some organizations start in the single digits. Through our programs, we consistently double and sometimes triple adherence rates.

Partnering to make screening simple

The Color model is about access, speed, and direct clinical care. This allows us to deploy into a population, quickly identify those at risk, and get them directly into screening at covered facilities.

At one national consumer brand, we found lung screening adherence was 17%. After launching Color, rates increased by 300%. Across all Color clients, we see adherence increase by more than 70% when it comes to lung cancer screening. 

In addition to our work on the employer side, Color and the American Cancer Society launched a free lung cancer screening program two years ago, following updated ACS guidelines.

Critically, the program identified clinically significant findings (Lung-RADS 3 or 4 nodules) in 35% of participants. That’s more than 3 in 10 individuals with findings that required follow-up, and now have a much better chance at surviving a lung cancer diagnosis.

Supporting patients with direct clinical care

For those who receive a diagnosis, Color clinicians stay directly involved, partnering with treating oncologists to confirm the right treatment plan, manage symptoms, and prevent costly complications. This direct clinical care model ensures faster intervention, fewer ER visits, and better outcomes throughout active treatment. When a scan identifies a risk or diagnosis, Color’s oncologist-led team continues to guide care through every stage, from follow-up imaging to active treatment and recovery.

Screening is only the beginning.

Acting on risk, not waiting for symptoms

At Color, we do more than educate. We act. For those at risk, our clinicians order the initial low-dose CT scan, manage follow-up imaging, and coordinate with radiologists, primary care providers, and pulmonary specialists. We also provide smoking cessation counseling and treatment prescriptions for patients to reduce their risk of developing lung cancer in the first place.

If a biopsy is needed, our team works directly with interventional radiologists to schedule it quickly. It is the difference between being in the system and being cared for, and it is how we save lives.

A patient story that brings it home

One Color participant with a family history of lung cancer joined our free screening program. He was in his 50s and had never been screened, despite his risk and a personal history of smoking.

“My older sister and my dad had lung cancer… I really appreciated Color setting up appointments and talking to me about the risks and all the information. I think that it was a really cool program and I would not have gone and had the CT scan and I would not have enrolled in this program.”

Ease of access and proactive outreach changed his story and possibly saved his life.

The takeaway

Education, access, and action are what close the gap in lung cancer screening. When screening is simple and stigma-free, people follow through.

Screening is the first step in direct clinical care. From prevention to active treatment to survivorship, Color ensures every person has access to expert, connected care that moves faster and delivers better outcomes.

Finding lung cancer early can be life-changing and life-saving.
Get screened. Encourage your family to get screened. And if your organization offers Color, use it.

Access. Speed. Direct clinical care. That is how we change the story.