Lung cancer screening: Summary of the evidence and the 2013 US preventative services task force recommendations

The United States Preventative Services Task Force is an independent panel of non-Federal experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that reviews scientific studies and makes recommendations on screening and prevention interventions. The panel is widely respected for its rigour and basing its recommendations on the scientific evidence. In late 2013, the task force published a recommendation on screening for lung cancer using low-dose computerised tomography. They recommend annual screening in adults, aged 55 to 80 years, who have a 30 pack year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. They also recommend screening be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years, or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery. The statement also stresses the need for rigorous quality controls to minimise the harms associated with lung screening and resultant diagnostic procedure.