Chest X-ray, Sputum cytology and the latest test - the low-dose spiral CT scan .
Why NOT to do the tests ?
Previous studies of screening high-risk individuals using chest X-ray and/or sputum cytology have not confirmed any benefit in terms of increasing chances of survival.
Low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) can detect lung cancers in asymptomatic patients at the early stage2 of the disease. However, whether the detection of such so-called early stage lung cancers translate into better survival has not been demonstrated and is the subject of ongoing controlled trials.
Routine screening for people with no symptoms for early lung cancer is NOT recommended at the moment.
How can we help then ?
At this point in time, it is important that at-risk individuals are not misled into believing that any such screening initiatives will necessarily reduce their chances of dying from lung cancer. The only proven strategy for reducing the probability of lung cancer mortality is smoking cessation.
However, individuals who perceive themselves to be at heightened risk for lung cancer (and who are supported in that perception by their doctor) may wish to undertake a low-dose spiral CT examination, if they have been fully informed beforehand as to all costs and potential risks of such a procedure.
