Lung Cancer Screening: Promise and Pitfalls

Objectives

To provide an overview of the status of lung cancer screening.

Data Sources

Published articles, book chapters, websites, and research studies.

Conclusion

Screening with chest x-ray and sputum cytology has not been shown to be effective in reducing lung cancer mortality. Although screening with helical CT is currently under investigation in randomized clinical trials, observational studies have not shown evidence that it can detect lung cancer that is curable.

Implications for Nursing Practice

As health care educators and caregivers, nurses should be informed of the status and current controversies associated with lung cancer screening.

Keywords: Lung cancer screening, helical CT, low-dose CT, spiral CT, cancer screening clinical trials