Does earlier detection of lung cancer on mass screening improve outcome in younger and middle-age patients?

In order to demonstrate clinicopathological features, especially in relation to the detection of lung cancer in younger (<40 years) and middle-aged patients, a total of 850 patients with lung cancer were analyzed with reference to their basis for detection. Asymptomatic patients in their forties and fifties diagnosed on mass screening had higher prevalence rate of surgically resectable disease and better three-year survival compared with patients who required medical attention because of symptoms. Our results suggest that mass screening for patients under the age of 50 years does not change the outcome, however, patients in the age group 50-59 years receive some benefit in our screening system.