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Review
. 2022 May 9;14(9):2343.
doi: 10.3390/cancers14092343.

Lung Cancer Screening: New Perspective and Challenges in Europe

Jan P Van Meerbeeck  1 , Emma O'Dowd  2 , Brian Ward  3 , Paul Van Schil  4 , Annemiek Snoeckx  5
Affiliations
Review

Lung Cancer Screening: New Perspective and Challenges in Europe

Jan P Van Meerbeeck et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Randomized-controlled trials have shown clear evidence that lung cancer screening with low-dose CT in a high-risk population of current or former smokers can significantly reduce lung-cancer-specific mortality by an inversion of stage distribution at diagnosis. This paper will review areas in which there is good or emerging evidence and areas which still require investment, research or represent implementation challenges. The implementation of population-based lung cancer screening in Europe is variable and fragmented. A number of European countries seem be on the verge of implementing lung cancer screening, mainly through the implementation of studies or trials. The cost and capacity of CT scanners and radiologists are considered to be the main hurdles for future implementation. Actions by the European Commission, related to its published Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the proposal to update recommendations on cancer screening, could be an incentive to help speed up its implementation.

Keywords: computed tomography; lung cancer; management; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of areas to be addressed prior to lung cancer screening implementation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number of CT scanners per million inhabitants.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) collects, presents and reviews the evidence for the Commission’s Group of Chief Advisors (SAPEA). SAPEA will then draft a proposal of recommendations to the European Commission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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