Introduction of lung CT screening of high-risk individuals could reduce cancer deaths

Introduction of lung CT screening of high-risk individuals could reduce cancer deaths -

The introduction of lung cancer screening in the UK could significantly reduce deaths in high-risk groups, participants without causing excessive stress sometimes associated with medical tests.

Released today in Thorax, a trial conducted by Cardiff University looked at the long-term psychosocial outcomes of CT screening for lung cancer and found that it does not cause unnecessary anxiety, although the fear and stigma can sometimes be barriers to participation in screening.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, killing nearly 40,000 people a year. In addition, nearly three-quarters of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when fewer treatment options are available. . With early detection of lung cancer about seven out of ten patients survive for a year or more

Dr Kate brain Cardiff University said:

"with the survival rate 5 years in the UK for lung cancer is less than many other countries with similar health care systems, it is important that we do more to introduce early detection strategies that help ensure treatment is delivered before patients present with advanced disease.

"Sometimes, fear of medical procedures and the results they might bring can prevent people from seeking rescue tests. However, that our experiment shows is that CT screening for lung cancer is in fact no negative psychosocial long-term impact on patients, making it an excellent tool to catch lung cancer early, when it is a better chance of survival. "

. The UK Lung cancer screening trial (UKLS) recruited over 4,000 men and women aged 50-75, high risk of lung cancer This group was randomized into two groups, one of which received a CT screen and who does not. Participants in both groups were assessed two weeks in the study and again two years later. To assess emotional responses to people screening CT lung distress standard measures of lung cancer, anxiety, depression and satisfaction were used. research has shown that lung cancer screening did not cause undue concern when people were followed during the period of two years. participants who need to have a repeat scan reported slightly higher cancer distress, but it was temporary. the results revealed that about two points higher group participants who did not receive scans were dissatisfied with their decision to take part in the trial. It also found, regardless of group allocation, distress cancer was higher among women, participants under 65, current smokers and those with lung cancer experience.

The trial was conducted at Liverpool and Papworth, while the in-depth analysis of the psychosocial data was carried out in Cardiff. The evidence will contribute to clinical and policy decisions related to successful and fair implementation of potential future low lung CT screening dose for people at high risk.