Screening

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening in high-risk adults over 40 years with significant smoking exposure reduces lung-cancer mortality.[40][41][42]

​Detecting early-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is complicated by its relative rarity and aggressive nature (which may prohibit detection of SCLC at a potentially curable stage).[43]

Recommendations

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Radiology recommend annual low-dose CT in:​​​[44][43]

  • Adults ages 50 to 80 years, with

  • At least a 20 pack-year smoking history, who

  • Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

The USPSTF recommends that screening should be stopped when a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the likelihood of having curative lung surgery.[43]

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT in high-risk adults:[45]

  • Ages ≥50 years, with

  • ≥20 pack-year history of smoking.

Shared decision-making is recommended in candidates for screening, including a discussion of the benefits and risks involved.[45]

The American Cancer Society recommends annual low-dose CT in people:[46]

  • Ages 50 to 80 years, with

  • At least a 20-pack-year smoking history, who

  • Currently smoke or have previously smoked.

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