Value of Screening High-Risk Individuals for Lung Cancer Confirmed, but Who Will Pay for It?

August 2011, Vol 2, No 5

New results from the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial have shown that in individuals at high risk for lung cancer, screening with lowdose computed tomography (CT) significantly reduces mortality in this subpopulation (N Engl J Med. 2011;365:395-409). Based on these findings, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, in concert with other cancer organizations, is developing new practice guidelines to immediately affect current screening practices for those at high risk for lung cancer. However, at a price between $300 and $500 per CT procedure, the question of who will carry the cost burden remains to be determined.

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