Podcast

Lung Cancer Screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Weights In - Frankly Speaking EP 192Guest: Robert A. Baldor, MD, FAAFP
Music Credit: Richard Onorato

Currently a low-dose CT scan is the only screening test for lung cancer that is recommended by the American Cancer Society. In July 2020, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a draft recommendation statement on screening for lung cancer. The USPSTF suggests annual screening with low-dose CT for individuals aged 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. These recommendations expand screening eligibility, but they also suggest that screening be discontinued if a person has not smoked for 15 years, develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy, or is unable or unwilling to have curative lung surgery.