Low Dose Lung Cancer Screening

 

The National Cancer Institute released the results of a nationwide study showing the benefits of low-dose CT

screening in former and current cigarette smokers. In the study of 53,000 smokers age 55 to 74, 20% fewer

lung cancer deaths occurred among those screened with a low-dose CT exam. By detecting tumors at an

early stagewith CT lung screening, intervention can occur at a time when cancer is still curable and localized

to the lungs.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This disease is

responsible for more deaths annually than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. Over 169,000

new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year. In 2010, lung cancer is expected to kill 154,900 people

(89,200 men and 65,700 women). In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing invasive lung cancer is 1 in 17 for men and 1 in 18 for women.

Who should have lung screening?
Lung screening is recommended for individuals between ages 50 and 80 who have any of the following risk factors:

• History of heavy smoking (current & former smokers)

• Long-term repeated exposure to secondhand smoke

• Exposure to other cancer-causing agents (eg, asbestos & radon)

Ask your doctor if low-dose CT Lung Screening is right for you!

 

Addtional Information

• Lung Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions

• Lung Cancer Risk Assessment Calculator

• New England Journal of Medicine article on Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening and Reduction in Mortality Rates