From the Research
In Canada, low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is recommended annually for high-risk individuals aged 55-74 with a significant smoking history of at least 30 pack-years who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, as this screening frequency has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20-24% 1. The recommendation for annual screening is based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, which suggests that yearly screening provides the best balance between early detection and minimizing radiation exposure.
- The evidence from the Cochrane review 1 supports the use of low-dose CT screening for lung cancer in high-risk populations, with a reduction in lung cancer-related mortality of 21% compared to control groups.
- The study by the US Preventive Services Task Force 2 also found that annual screening with low-dose CT can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20-24% in high-risk individuals.
- While there are potential harms associated with screening, such as false positives and incidental findings, the benefits of screening in terms of reduced lung cancer mortality outweigh these risks 3.
- The evidence suggests that the benefits of screening are greatest for individuals with a significant smoking history, and that screening should continue annually until the person reaches age 75, has been smoke-free for more than 15 years, or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability to have curative lung surgery 1.