Why Lung Cancer screening is important Lung Cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the USA More people die from lung cancer than from breast, colon, pancreas and prostate cancers combined Early-stage survival rate is 53 . 5 % ONLY 15 % of lung-cancer cases are currently found in the early stage Most cases are not diagnosed until later stages, when survival rate is ONLY 3.9 % The National Lung Screening Trial was the largest national lung-screening trial, with more than people enrolled. It showed a 50,000 20 % reduction in lung-cancer deaths relative to chest X-rays. Low-dose CT is recommended annually if you are: • Age 55 or older • Have smoked at least 30 “pack years” • A 30-”pack-year” smoker who has quit within the past 15 years Vital Signs Fall 2014 Vol. 64 5