Lung Cancer Screening: Early Detection Decreases Mortality

Lung cancer remains the number one cancer related mortality in the United States . While it is the third most diagnosed cancer, it is often found at an advanced stage. Survival rates for stage I lung cancer are above 70% while survival rates for stage IV lung cancer are less than 10% at five years. Methods to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage when it can be more effectively treated have been investigated for many years. These included regular chest x-rays (CXRs) and sputum samples. Unfortunately, these testing modalities did not show any benefit. This changed in 2011 when data from the National Lung Screening Trial were published. This landmark trial showed conclusively that a low-radiation dose chest computed tomography scan (LDCT) performed annually in patients with a heavy smoking history reduced lung cancer related mortality by 20%. These results have led to a nationwide effort to increase lung cancer screening. While the number of eligible patients that are being screened on a national level remains modest, significant efforts are being made at the state and local levels to increase awareness and to improve screening. These efforts have also targeted underserved areas and are focused on reducing disparities in access.