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.[106][107][108]

Recommendations

The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Radiology recommend annual low-dose CT in:[109][110]

  • adults ages 50-80 years, with

  • a 20 pack-year history of smoking, 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.[109]

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT in high risk adults:[111]

  • 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 of screening.[111]

The American Cancer Society recommends annual low-dose CT in people:[112]

  • ages 50-80 years, with

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

  • currently smoke or have previously smoked.

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