By Dr. Sunny Ramchandani, President of Flagship Medical Group

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding one of the most significant health concerns affecting older adults. According to the American Cancer Society, 83% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at age 65 or older, making it especially important for seniors to be aware of their risks and the signs to watch for.

As we age, natural changes in the lungs, years of everyday exposures, and common breathing conditions can make the lungs more vulnerable. With the right knowledge and support, seniors can recognize early symptoms, seek timely evaluation, and make informed decisions about their care.

This guide breaks down what seniors need to know: why lung cancer risk increases with age, the early warning signs you should bring up with your doctor, the treatment options available today, and steps to take to protect your lung health.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk for Lung Cancer

About 226,650 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year, and the average age of diagnosis is around 70. This higher risk in older adults comes from several age-related factors. As we get older, our lungs’ ability to repair damaged cells decreases, which makes it easier for those cells to develop into cancer over time.

Many seniors have also spent decades exposed to toxins that harm the lungs — such as cigarette smoke (even if they quit years ago), second-hand smoke, air pollution, or environmental hazards. In addition, long-term breathing conditions like COPD or asthma become more common with age and can further weaken lung health. All of these factors add up over the years, making lung cancer more likely to develop later in life, even for people who feel healthy or have no major symptoms.

Early Symptoms: What to Watch For

Recognizing early signs of lung cancer can be challenging because many symptoms seem mild or resemble normal aging or common breathing issues. Still, noticing changes early and sharing them with a doctor can make a big difference. Here are a few symptoms that seniors should look out for:

• A cough that doesn’t go away: A cough lasting several weeks, becoming deeper or more frequent, or bringing up more mucus than usual.
• Shortness of breath: Feeling winded during everyday activities — such as walking, climbing a few steps, or carrying groceries — when this wasn’t an issue with the recent past.
• Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure, or a feeling of tightness in the chest that persists or becomes more noticeable over time. 
• Hoarseness or voice changes: A voice that becomes raspy, weak, or noticeably different for more than two weeks. 
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite: Dropping more than 5% of your body weight over 6 months (without trying to do so), or having a loss of appetite for more than 2 weeks. 
• Ongoing fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, even when you are sleeping well and not overexerting yourself. 
• Coughing up blood: Even a small amount of blood in the mucus should be checked promptly, as it can be an important warning sign.

These symptoms can have many causes other than cancer, but they should never be ignored. Bringing them up early with your healthcare provider can lead to quicker answers, and better treatment options.

Should You Get Screened?

Lung cancer screening is one of the most helpful tools for finding lung cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Screening is done with a low-dose CT scan, which is quick, painless, and uses a small amount of radiation to take detailed pictures of the lungs. Not everyone needs a screening CT scan. However, some older adults do. You may be a good candidate for screening if:

• You are between 50 and 80 years old: Screening is most effective during these years, when lung cancer becomes more common.
• You currently smoke or used to smoke: Even if you quit a long time ago, screening may still offer important benefits.
• You have a 20 pack-year history: This means smoking one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, or something similar.
• You’ve had long-term exposure to lung irritants: This includes asbestos, diesel exhaust, burn pits, or heavy dust from certain jobs or military service.
• You have chronic breathing conditions: COPD, emphysema, or repeated lung infections may increase your risk and are worth discussing with your doctor.

Screening isn’t necessary for everyone, but it can be very helpful for people who meet at least one of these criteria. A simple conversation with your healthcare provider can help you understand whether a low-dose CT scan is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Treatment Options

Treatment for lung cancer depends on how early the cancer is found, the type of lung cancer, and a person’s overall health. Many seniors do well with today’s treatment approaches, which are often more targeted and easier to tolerate than in the past. Options may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation to shrink or destroy abnormal cells, or medications such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy that help slow or stop cancer growth. These treatments can be used alone or in combination, and your healthcare provider will help determine what approach offers the best balance of effectiveness, comfort, and quality of life.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Lung cancer can develop quietly in its early stages, and small changes that seem easy to overlook may still be worth discussing. If you have ever smoked, been exposed to secondhand smoke, or spent time around lung irritants, it’s important to share that history with your doctor. Talking with your healthcare provider early can help determine whether screening or follow-up testing is right for you and ensure you get the support you need to stay on top of your lung health.

Supporting Your Lung Health

Taking care of your lungs becomes increasingly important as you age, and a few simple habits can make a noticeable difference in how you feel each day. Key steps include:

• Not smoking: Avoiding cigarettes and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke are the most important ways to protect your lung function and lower your risk of lung disease. 
• Staying active: Gentle movement such as walking, stretching, or light exercise helps keep your lungs working efficiently and supports better breathing over time. 
• Eating a balanced diet: Meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provide nutrients that support your immune system and overall lung health. 

These habits can help maintain stronger lungs and contribute to better long-term well-being.

Taking the Next Steps in Your Lung Health 

Lung health plays an essential role in aging well. While lung cancer becomes more common in older adults, many cases can be detected earlier or managed more effectively when you understand your risks and stay attentive to changes in your breathing and overall health. Knowing what to watch for, talking openly with your healthcare provider, and taking steps to protect your lungs can help you stay informed and in control.

At Flagship Health, we are proud to support seniors and senior veterans through every stage of their health journey. Whether you have questions about screening, want help understanding your risk, or want to stay proactive about your lung health, our team is here to guide you.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our senior care services, contact us today.

About Dr. Ramchandani

Dr. Sunny Ramchandani is the President of Flagship Medical Group with over 20 years of experience caring for patients, including extensive work with the senior population. A former White House Fellow and Navy physician, he previously served as Chief Population Health Officer at Naval Medical Center San Diego and helped lead national health reforms in Afghanistan. Dr. Ramchandani holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, Yale School of Medicine, and Harvard School of Public Health.