Early detection of lung cancer

When lung cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Recognizing symptoms and getting regular checkups are the best ways to detect lung cancer early. The sooner symptoms are reported, the sooner a doctor can diagnose and treat the cancer.

Researchers have not yet shown that testing sputum for lung cancer cells (cytology) helps reduce the death rate from lung cancer. They are currently using clinical trials to study the usefulness of chest x-rays and low-dose spiral (helical) computed tomography (CT) scans as ways to screen for lung cancer. One such trial, the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) in the United States, compared these methods in current and former smokers. The results showed that people who received low-dose spiral CT scans had a lower risk of dying from lung cancer than people who received standard chest X-rays. On the other hand, there were more harms with a CT scan compared to a chest X-ray. The NLST and other ongoing studies will further clarify the benefits and harms of screening with CT scans.