Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the second most common malignancy in both men and women. Aline Zouk, MD, explains that many of these deaths are preventable via early low-dose CT scan screening among smokers and early-stage treatment. Because survival rates increase dramatically with earlier detection, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidelines for screening—now, around 14 million Americans are recommended to receive yearly screenings. Dr. Zouk explains how the guidelines account for pack-years and age. The challenge for physicians, notes Zouk, is to encourage screening for patients before they exhibit any symptoms.