Lack of benefit from semi-annual screening for cancer of the lung: follow-up report of a randomized controlled trial on a population of high-risk males in Czechoslovakia.
Cigarette-smoking males (6,364), aged 40-64, were randomized into an intervention group which received 6-monthly screening by chest X-ray and sputum cytology, and a control group which received no asymptomatic investigation. After 3 years, both groups entered a follow-up period during which they received annual chest X-rays. Lung cancer cases detected by screening were identified at an earlier stage, more often resectable, and had a significantly better survival than "interval" cases diagnosed mainly because of symptoms. Comparison of the 2 groups showed a higher incidence of lung cancer in the intervention group, despite the follow-up period when both groups received annual examinations. There was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups.
Kubik
A
A
Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Prague, Czechoslovakia.
Parkin
D M
DM
Khlat
M
M
Erban
J
J
Polak
J
J
Adamec
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003604:Czechoslovakia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008400:Mass Chest X-Ray; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology