Reply to Saquib et al. Worldwide Lung Cancer Screening - a safe and simple way to reduce deaths
Year: 2023
Type: letter
Abstract: We agree with Saquib et al. [1] that radiomics holds immense promise for the future of healthcare. However, our primary focus should be on ensuring that individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer have access to timely and effective screening. Currently, in the USA, only 5% of eligible individuals undergo screening, and this percentage is likely even lower in other parts of the world. At a recent 2023 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer plenary session in Singapore, it was revealed that family history could be a more reliable predictor of lung cancer development than smoking in Taiwan. This highlights the need to incorporate such factors into our screening criteria. Additionally, some individuals face an elevated risk of lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos, which may place them at an even greater risk than smoking alone. It is essential to recognize that larger lung tumours are far more likely to be detected during routine CT scans for unrelated reasons [2]. Therefore, we must make a concerted effort to increase lung cancer CT screenings globally. Investing in lung cancer screening and facilitating early-stage detection, when surgery can be curative, holds the potential to save more lives than investments in chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy alone [3].
Authors: Raja Flores, Parth Patel, Emanuela Taioli
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4387948364