Key Lung Cancer Publications
Landmark studies and publications that have shaped the evidence base for lung cancer screening.
Essential Reading
These publications represent the most important evidence supporting lung cancer screening with low-dose CT.
NLST • 2011
Reduced Lung-Cancer Mortality with Low-Dose Computed Tomographic Screening
The National Lung Screening Trial Research Team. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine. This landmark trial of 53,454 participants demonstrated a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality with LDCT screening compared to chest radiography.
NELSON • 2020
Mortality Reduction by Volume CT Screening for Lung Cancer
de Koning et al. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine. NELSON found a 24% relative reduction in lung cancer mortality among men at 10 years. The estimated 33% reduction in the smaller female subgroup was uncertain; its confidence interval included no benefit.
USPSTF • 2021
Screening for Lung Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
Krist AH, Davidson KW, et al. Published in JAMA. Updated the screening criteria to include adults aged 50–80 with a 20 pack-year history, expanding eligibility to millions more Americans including more women and racial/ethnic minorities.
ACS • 2023
American Cancer Society Lung Cancer Screening Guideline Update
The ACS updated its guidelines to recommend annual LDCT for individuals aged 50–80 who have a 20+ pack-year history and currently smoke or formerly smoked, regardless of years since quitting, expanding eligibility beyond USPSTF criteria.
COVERAGE • Ongoing
Insurance Coverage and Access to Lung Cancer Screening
Coverage depends on the insurance program and its criteria. Most private plans cover recommended preventive screening for eligible people when plan requirements are met. Medicare covers annual LDCT for eligible beneficiaries aged 50–77; Medicaid coverage varies by state. Follow-up testing may have different costs.
DISPARITIES • Ongoing
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening
Multiple studies have documented that Black Americans develop lung cancer at younger ages and with lower smoking exposure, yet are less likely to meet traditional screening criteria. The USPSTF 2021 update and the ACS 2023 guideline both aimed to reduce these inequities.