Abstrakt

Background: In Germany, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women, after breast cancer. If a low tumor stage is diagnosed, the survival rate is comparatively good. However, due to a lack of symptoms, many lung carcinomas are only discovered when the disease has already progressed.
Methods: A comparison of different screening studies in the USA and Europe, taking into account the current scientific situation in Germany.
Results: Screening programs using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) are an effective way to diagnose lung carcinomas at earlier stages and thus significantly improve prognosis and survival. Critical points are false positive findings, complications in the further clarification of positive findings, and overdiagnosis. Taking these points of criticism into account, both, the Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz and the Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen have published a positive assessment of LDCT lung screening, pointing out that in the high-risk group the expected benefits outweigh the risks. Despite many open questions, an important requirement for the establishment of a program for early lung cancer detection is thus fulfilled. Currently ongoing studies will be able to provide answers.
Conclusion: The considerations for the implementation of a national screening program are progressing. The high-risk group for lung cancer benefits from lung screening, which is reflected in the reduction of mortality. The findings from the studies currently being conducted will be crucial for the planning and implementation of an effective program.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• M. Szewczyk¹
• M. Reck²

Abteilungen

• ¹ LungenClinic Großhansdorf, Airway Research Center North, Mitglied des Deutschen Zentrums für Lungenforschung (DZL), LungenClinic, Großhansdorf,
• ² Abteilung Thoraxonkologie, LungenClinic Großhansdorf, Airway Research Center North, Mitglied des Deutschen Zentrums für Lungenforschung (DZL), LungenClinic, Großhansdorf

Adresse

Marlen Szewczyk
LungenClinic Grosshansdorf GmbH
Wöhrendamm 80
22927 Großhansdorf
Email: [email protected]

Citation