Dr. Choi on Using Low-Dose CT Scans to Screen for Lung Cancer

Humberto Choi, MD, assistant professor, Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, pulmonologist, Pulmonary Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, discusses using low-dose CT scans to screen patients with a high-risk of developing lung cancer.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) reported a 20.0% reduction in lung cancer—specific mortality with CT scan screening, explains Choi. As such, screening is now recommended for high-risk individuals.

Utilizing the same criteria used from the NLST, Choi advises that patients aged 55 to 79 years old who have smoked for ≥30 years or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years are high-risk and should be considered for screening.

At Cleveland Clinic, a centralized screening program has expanded services regionally to increase accessibility for patients. Upon initial visit, an advanced practice provider will aid the patient in the decision-making process and the patient watches a video on the benefits and risks of screening. If screening is elected by the patient, a low-dose CT scan will be given. Finally, the results are discussed with the patient, concludes Choi.