According to the CDC, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The survival rate for this disease can be significantly increased, however, with early screening, according to new research in the journal Health Technology Assessment.
Researchers from the United Kingdom conducted a trial of a national lung cancer screening program, as well as a risk prediction model to identify high-risk individuals. The trial, which included more than 4,000 people, revealed early detection was associated with a 73 percent greater chance of surviving for five years or more. Screening also allowed more than 80 percent of those with lung cancer to pursue surgical interventions.
"If we could detect lung cancer via screening of high risk individuals, it would make a major impact on the diagnosis of lung cancer at an earlier stage of the disease and would greatly improve the survival rates of those affected by this terrible disease," said chief investigator John Field, PhD.