Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. 2.5 out of 10 cancer deaths are from lung cancer. Only people at high risk for lung cancer should be considered for the screening program.

GOALS of Lung Cancer Screening

1. Find cancer before the onset of symptoms.

2. Find cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat and cure.

3. Reduce the chances of dying from cancer.

Who are High-Risk Individuals?

Low dose computed tomography test (LDCT) 

The use of LDCT as part of a screening programme is recommended. An LDCT takes photos of the inside of the body from different angles using low doses of radiation and computer technology. Other diseases such as infection, COPD, coronary artery calcification, and kidney, adrenal, and liver lesions could be found through this research. If an abnormality is detected, further tests to validate the diagnosis can be performed.

• Risks- There could be risks with any test. An LDCT may pick an abnormality as cancer and only later discover it is not; a false positive. Also, there could be a false negative test. 
• Benefits- Lung cancer can be diagnosed early and treated. You could start your lung cancer screening after having a shared decision-making talk with your doctor i.e you discuss with your doctor both the benefits and risks of lung screening.

Watch the below video on "Lung Cancer Screening"

References- 

1. Lung Cancer Screening Available online at NCCN.org/patients NCCN GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2020, from https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung_screening-patient.pdf

2. Lung Cancer Screening Available online at NCCN.org/patients NCCN GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS. (n.d.). https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/lung_screening-patient.pdf

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