What To Expect After Your Doctor Finds a Lung Nodule

American Lung Association's campaign, in partnership with Olympus, offers roadmap to help patients gain control over their health with nodule management and early detection

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the greatest opportunities to improve lung cancer outcomes is the early identification and management of lung nodules, or small spots on lung imaging, that can sometimes be an early sign of lung cancer. More than half of lung nodule cases lack proper follow-up, and while most lung nodule findings do not end up being cancer, it is important to take a finding seriously with regular monitoring. The American Lung Association's Know Your Nodule, Find Your Path educational campaign, in partnership with Olympus, helps guide people through the process of nodule management, and supports individuals who are in the process of monitoring or undergoing further testing to understand what a nodule means for their health.

"Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., largely due to the fact that 43% of cases are not caught until a late stage when the survival rate is only 10%. Identifying and effectively managing lung nodules offers hope and has the potential to improve lung cancer survival," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO for the American Lung Association. "We understand that for many patients, the process between learning they have a nodule to a potential lung cancer diagnosis can be stressful and overwhelming. Our campaign seeks to empower individuals to advocate for themselves, make informed choices about their care, and gain greater control over their health and outcomes."

Lung nodules are often identified through low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, but they can also be found unexpectedly during imaging performed for another health issue. These unexpected discoveries, known as incidental findings, are common and should receive appropriate follow-up to determine whether additional evaluation is needed.

Lung nodules appear in more than one in four CT scans, with about 1.5 million lung nodules detected each year. Though usually non-cancerous, some nodules may need closer follow-up because they can be an early sign of lung cancer. Clear communication between physicians and patients, along with standardized pathways, is key because only 28% of individuals complete the recommended surveillance. Knowing diagnostic testing options, such as the guideline recommended EBUS-TBNA procedure (endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration), is an important step in the diagnostic journey, ensuring healthcare providers gather the necessary diagnostic material to perform genetic testing and inform staging so patients have access to appropriate choices guiding their care.

As part of the campaign, the Lung Association conducted focus groups to better understand people's experiences with lung nodule detection and lung cancer diagnostics. The findings revealed common experiences and perceptions:

• When the healthcare system operates efficiently and effectively, patients feel more equipped to handle the challenges of lung nodule detection and treatment. This includes smooth communication between providers and patients, swift turnaround times for receiving test results and scheduling procedures and treatments, and consistent, high-quality care.
• There is a need for improved education for patients at the time of nodule discovery. When patients find out they have a lung nodule, many leap to worst-case scenarios. It is important for providers to speak in plain language, be clear about the impacts of the findings, and recognize that while it may be common for people to have lung nodules, it can still be a shock and concern to patients. Additionally, ensuring patients have access to quality educational resources is a challenge.
• Patients feel like they need to advocate for action. "Watchful waiting," in which lung nodules are monitored to check for growth or changes over time to help inform the best course of action, can be viewed as inaction or negligence on the part of the care team. More education is needed to explain the importance of discussing options and guidelines for nodules with their doctor to determine the best next steps.
• Patients rely on their care team to navigate them from lung nodule discovery through to the next step, which may involve biopsies or staging procedures.

The Know Your Nodule, Find Your Path campaign offers clear, reliable information and resources, including questions individuals can ask their doctors regarding lung nodule management and the lung cancer diagnostic pathway.

Additionally, the Lung Association's free Lung HelpLine (1-800-LUNGUSA) is staffed with licensed registered nurses and lung health experts who can answer lung nodule-related questions and provide resources.

Learn more about lung nodules at Lung.org/lung-nodules.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. 

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association
P: 312-940-7001 E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association