Who needs to be screened regularly for lung cancer?

  People at high risk for lung cancer should have regular lung cancer screenings.  Screening modality: Low-dose spiral CT (LDCT) is the only screening modality recommended by the guidelines, and LDCT has sufficient sensitivity and specificity for high-risk groups.  Screening frequency: LDCT is recommended once a year. Definition of high-risk group: 50-75 years old; with any of the following conditions: 1. Smoking greater than or equal to 20 packs/year, including current smoking or quit smoking for less than 15 years; 2. Passive smoking; 3. History of occupational exposure (asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon, etc.); 4. History of malignancy or family history of lung cancer; 5. or diffuse interstitial lung fibrosis.  The definition of high-risk groups in China is slightly different from the U.S. guidelines. Our criteria were adjusted for population life expectancy and lung cancer characteristics.  Benefits: Evidence-based studies have demonstrated that annual low-dose spiral CT in high-risk populations can reduce lung cancer mortality and all-cause mortality.  Lung cancer is highly prevalent in China, and screening in high-risk groups can lead to early detection and diagnosis of tumors, improve prognosis, and increase lung cancer survival rates.  If LDCT detects abnormalities, follow-up or treatment should be carried out according to the doctor’s recommendation.  Screening cannot prevent all lung cancers. It is still very important to quit smoking to prevent lung cancer.