SUMMARY: The rationale for Lung Cancer screening is based on the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) in which the use of low dose CT scan in high risk, healthy patients, resulted in a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality, compared to screening with a chest x-ray. It is important that eligible people who are smokers participate in a smoking cessation program and quit smoking. Further, those eligible for screening should understand the limitations associated with any screening methodology and potential risks associated with procedures that may follow a false positive result.
Lung cancer screening is performed using a non-contrast low dose CT scan. Criteria for lung cancer screening include-
1) People 55-74 years of age with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
2) Current or former smoker with a 30 pack year smoking history (Number of years smoked multiplied by the number of packs of cigarettes per day)
3) Current smokers are strongly urged to enter a smoking cessation program
4) Former smokers must have quit smoking within the past 15 years
People with serious comorbid conditions, those on home oxygen and individuals with metallic devices or implants in the chest or back (which can interfere with the scan) should be excluded from lung cancer screening. Lung cancer screening with low dose CT scan is presently not covered by most insurance plans. The National Lung Screening Trial Research Team. N Engl J Med 2011; 365:395-409
