by Michael Ordman

Scientists at Tel Aviv University and Rabin Medical Center have discovered they can detect lung cancer early in smokers by performing a CAT scan at the time they are admitted as pneumonia patients. Often the pneumonia is caused by young cancer cells blocking airways.

According to the American Journal of Medicine, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the US, associated with a 5-year survival of 17%.

The most important risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, which causes approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Only 15% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage.

The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated that screening heavy smokers with low-dose computerized axial tomography reduces mortality from lung cancer.

Following the NLST, the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computer tomography in adults who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, ages 55-80 (US Preventive Services Task Force) or 55-77 years (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

There is wide disagreement about this general recommendation, including on efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

From United with Israel.