Results of Lung Cancer CT Screening Show Impact on Death Rates

A new trial has found that lung cancer screening and early detection of lung cancer can prolong the lives of 70% of patients by one year or more.

In addition, the researchers also studied the long-term psychosocial outcomes of Computed Tomography (CT) lung cancer screening and found that screening did not result in unnecessary anxiety. The researchers did find that participants may face barriers such as fear and stigma that prevent their participation in a screening program.

The results of the trial were published in the July 2016 issue of the journal Thorax. The UK Lung cancer Screening trial (UKLS) was led by researchers at Cardiff University (Cardiff, UK), and included more than 4,000 women, and men, between 50 and 75 years old, who had a high risk of contracting lung cancer.

The results of the trial are intended to guide UK clinical and policy decisions for the implementation of potential future low-dose CT lung cancer screening for high-risk patients.

Dr. Kate Brain, Cardiff University, said, "With the UK's five-year survival rate for lung cancer being lower than many other countries with comparable healthcare systems, it is important that we do more to introduce early detection strategies that help to ensure treatment is delivered before patients present at an advanced stage of the disease. Sometimes, fear of medical procedures and the results they might bring can prevent people from seeking life-saving tests. However, what our trial shows is that CT lung cancer screening actually has no long-term negative psychosocial impact on patients, making it an excellent tool for catching lung cancer earlier when there is a better chance of survival."

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