The BMC Lung Cancer Screening Program was created to identify and assess patients at risk for lung cancer, with the goal of early diagnosis and treatment. Patients who are interested in lung cancer screening should talk with their primary care provider, or contact the BMC Lung Nodule Clinic at 617.638-5864.
Evidence Supporting Lung Cancer Screening
The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found a 20 percent reduction in relative risk of lung cancer death in patients who were screened using low dose chest CT scans. Reduced mortality from lung cancer in patients undergoing screening with chest CT scans was also found in the Nederlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek (NELSON) trial. The results of the NLST and NELSON trials were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Eligibility for Lung Cancer Screening
The US Preventative Task Force (USPTF - Grade B recommendation) endorsed lung cancer screening with low dose chest CT for the following patient population:
- Ages 50-80 (Medicare covers ages 50-77)
- No signs or symptoms of lung cancer (e.g., hemoptysis, weight loss)
- A 20+ pack-year history of smoking
- Current smoker, or quit smoking within the past 15 years
For more information about the CMS and USPTF decisions, as well as eligibility criteria, refer to the full decision statements: