[Computed tomography screening for lung cancer]

Lung cancer is by far the most frequent type of cancer worldwide and in particular the most frequent cause of cancer deaths. The most important risk factor is smoking and abstinence is therefore the most effective primary prevention for lung cancer. As even ex-smokers live under elevated lung cancer risk for years and additionally not all smokers are willing to stop smoking or attempts to stop fail, early detection by low-dose multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a realistic option for secondary prevention. First results from the USA appear supportive for this view but important issues still remain unresolved, such as overdiagnosis, screening interval and how to control the rate of false positive findings. European trials in parallel to the USA National lung screening trial (NLST), including a German trial will also address these issues and will thus be continued. Before the final analysis in several years time routine lung cancer screening with MSCT cannot be recommended and MSCT lung screening can only be performed within the framework of studies.