Controversies and challenges in lung cancer screening

Abstract

Two large randomized controlled trials have shown mortality benefit from lung cancer screening (LCS) in high-risk groups. Updated guidelines by the United State Preventative Service Task Force in 2020 will allow for inclusion of more patients who are at high risk of developing lung cancer and benefit from screening. As medical clinics and lung cancer screening programs around the country continue to work on perfecting the LCS workflow, it is important to understand some controversial issues surrounding LCS that should be addressed. In this article, we identify some of these issues, including false positive rates of low-dose CT, over-diagnosis, cost expenditure, LCS disparities in minorities, and utility of biomarkers. We hope to provide clarity, potential solutions, and future directions on how to address these controversies.