title: Screening for lung cancer.
abstract: Lung cancer incidence is increasing. Survivability has increased over the last few years particularly in certain subsets and has also been shown to increase with early detection. Chest X-ray and sputum cytology have been the mainstays of screening programs. Although survival is increased, overall mortality rates seem unchanged except in certain subsets. Whether the addition of serum markers or use of monoclonal antibodies, automated cytological, and computer-aided techniques will show decrease in mortality remains to be documented. We recommend yearly chest X-rays, sputum cytology in high-risk patients, i.e., age greater than 65, greater than 20 year history smoking, other significant carcinogenic exposure. Serum markers, monoclonal antibodies, and advanced, automated cytology methods are yet to be tested and therefore should be considered in clinical trials only.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Oral Roberts University, School of Medicine, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: McGee
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor