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 stage with 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.
Addtional Information
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Lung Cancer Risk Assessment Calculator
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New England Journal of Medicine article on Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening and Reduction in Mortality Rates
