A narrative review of lung cancer screening: from adoption to maturity
Year: 2024
Type: review
Abstract: Background and Objective: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths both worldwide and in the United States. Early detection and screening are proven methods for improving survival. Low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan is the screening tool that has been validated as the gold standard for lung cancer screening. Despite the implementation of LDCT screening in the United States, there remain poor adherence rates, and the financial implications remain significant. Our literature review aims to examine current lung cancer screening practices, their effect on surgical decisions, and their roles in opportunistic screening, whose impact on long-term survival remains unclear. Methods: Using PubMed as our search engine for our narrative review, we underwent a keyword search process by implementing exclusion keyword filters (“non-lung cancers”, “general cancer treatment”, and “unrelated screening methods”) to obtain a refined and focused set of articles for review. Our final inclusion keywords for review were “lung cancer screening”, “LDCT early detection”, “healthcare system policies for screening”. After applying these criteria, 36 articles were selected and utilized for the narrative review. Key Content and Findings: Opportunistic lung cancer screening presents a window to combine existing cancer screening modalities to improve adherence in eligible patients, while capturing those who would otherwise forego screening. In this literature review, we describe the current practice of lung cancer screening, alternative methods to current screening practices (opportunistic lung cancer screening), and the role of lung cancer screening in surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Lung cancer screening with LDCT improves survival but suffers from low adherence due to stigma, socioeconomic barriers, and limited awareness. Opportunistic screening could address these gaps, but further research is needed on its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term outcomes. Addressing disparities in access and enhancing education for patients and providers may boost screening rates and reduce mortality. An integrated approach combining structured and opportunistic strategies offers a promising path to better outcomes.
Source: AME Surgical Journal
DOI: 10.21037/asj-24-40
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4405880455