Screening for Lung Cancer — 10 States, 2017

Weekly / February 28, 2020 / 69(8);201–206

Thomas B. Richards, MD1; Ashwini Soman, MBBS2; Cheryll C. Thomas, MSPH1; Brenna VanFrank, MD3; S. Jane Henley, MSPH1; M. Shayne Gallaway, PhD1; Lisa C. Richardson, MD1 (View author affiliations)

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Summary

What is already known about this topic?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening for adults aged 55–80 years who have a ≥30 pack-year cigarette smoking history and currently smoke or have quit <15 years ago.

What is added by this report?

In 10 states, one in eight persons aged 55–80 years met USPSTF criteria, and, among those meeting USPSTF criteria, only one in eight reported a lung cancer screening exam in the last 12 months.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Public health initiatives to prevent cigarette smoking, increase smoking cessation, and increase recommended lung cancer screening could help reduce lung cancer mortality.