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American Lung Association Recommends CT Screening for Lung Cancer in High-Risk Patients
The American Lung Association is now recommending that high-risk smokers receive low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer. The ALA's interim guidelines follow publication of results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which found reduced lung cancer mortality among patients randomized to low-dose CT screening, compared with those given chest x-rays.
The ALA recommends low-dose CT screening for patients meeting the following four NLST criteria:
- Current or former smokers
- Age 55 to 74
- Smoking history of at least 30 pack-years
- No history of lung cancer
The general population should not be screened for lung cancer with low-dose CT scans, and chest x-rays are not recommended for lung cancer screening.
LINK(S):
American Lung Association guidelines (Free PDF)
Frequently asked questions for physicians (Free PDF)
Journal Watch General Medicine summary of NLST study (Free)
Published in Physician's First Watch April 24, 2012
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- CT Screening for Lung Cancer
Bernard A. Yablin, URMC ret asst clin prof, 22 May 2012 12:28 PM EST
Specialty: Pediatrics
Wasnt the original study reported at Cornell Med School criticized because it had been financed by the tobacco industry?
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