Lung Cancer Screening: Low-Dose Thoracic Computed Tomography Performed in a High-Risk Portuguese Population

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Urgeiriça mines were Portugal's primary uranium source.
• Former miners represent a high-risk group for lung cancer.
• Previous screening data for this demographic in Portugal is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the benefit of low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening.
• To evaluate screening outcomes in former uranium miners with significant smoking history.
• To establish a foundation for broader lung cancer screening implementation in Portugal.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of former uranium miners with >20 pack-years smoking history underwent LDCT.
• Pulmonary nodules were classified and managed according to Fleischner Society Guidelines.
• Initial screening included 265 miners, with a subgroup of 66 undergoing LDCT.

Main Results:

• One initial lung cancer diagnosis was made.
• In the LDCT subgroup (n=66), 37 individuals had pulmonary nodules.
• Most nodules were single (n=13) and small (mean size 5 mm); a suspicious nodule was benign.

Conclusions:

• Lung cancer screening is vital for high-risk populations like former uranium miners.
• This study represents the first of its kind in Portugal.
• Findings support the potential for wider adoption of LDCT screening programs.