Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Over 225,000 people will be diagnosed and over 135,000 people will die this year from lung cancer. In 2013 the United States Preventative Task Force (USPTF) recommended annual low dose CT lung cancer screening for individuals ages 55-80 with a 30 pack-year smoking history (e.g., a pack a day for 30 years or 2 packs for 15) and were smoking or had smoked in the last 15 years. The USPTF asserted this had the potential to save 12,000 lives annually.
Now the USPTF has updated its recommendation for annual screening to start earlier at 50 years of age with the requirement of only a 20 pack-years smoking history. Eligible individuals should continue screening until age 80 or until 15 years have elapsed since their last cigarette. They estimate that 24,000 lives can now be saved if implemented, with the largest increase in lives saved among women and minority men.
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