Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis has highlighted rising cases among never smokers, women and younger patients. Experts say current screening rules miss many people at risk.
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01Summary
- 01Pope Leo XIV was reported to have lung cancer on 13 October 2026 and is said not to be a smoker.
- 02The American Lung Association says lung cancer rates have risen by 79% for women over the last 44 years and fallen by 43% for men.
- 03About 20% of women with lung cancer have never smoked, according to the text.
- 04The 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend screening for adults aged 50 to 80 with a 20-year pack-a-day history, including current smokers and former smokers who quit within 15 years.
- 05Researchers estimate the updated screening rules will increase the number of women eligible for lung cancer screening by 40%.
02Why it matters
The story shows that lung cancer is no longer just a disease associated with smoking, which affects who gets screened and diagnosed early. That matters because earlier detection can improve treatment options and outcomes.
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