Expanded Eligibility and Screening Frequency
The updates lung cancer screening guidelines, including individuals with a 20 pack-year smoking history for annual low-dose CT scans, regardless of when they quit smoking.
This change extends screening to about 19 million additional people, reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of lung cancer risks among former smokers.
Addressing Screening Deficiencies and Challenges
Despite lung cancer being the leading cancer killer in the U.S., screening rates are low, with only 5.8% of Americans screened, compared to higher rates for breast and colon cancer screenings.
Barriers to screening include complex guidelines, lack of access to screening programs, and misconceptions about lung cancer's fatality. Efforts are underway to improve early detection and prevention.