Lung cancer detection in patients with airflow obstruction identified in a primary care outpatient practice.
BACKGROUND
This prospective study describes a community-based lung cancer identification project focusing on high-risk patients who receive general care in a primary care outpatient practice. Within 1 calendar year, a simple questionnaire was completed in 1,296 patients > 50 years old to identify 430 patients at high risk of lung cancer (smoking, family history of aerodigestive tract cancer, or occupational exposures). Spirometric abnormalities were found in 126 of these patients.


METHODS
Chest posteroanterior radiographs, thoracic CT scans, and sputum cytology were offered to subjects with airflow obstruction (n = 126). Eighty-eight patients underwent all tests. Thirty-eight patients refused or could not consent in a timely fashion.


RESULTS
Six cancers were found in the screened group, and all were treated. Two more cancers were found in the nonscreened patients with airflow obstruction. Both were treated by surgical resection or radiation therapy. Costs per cancer found were $11,925 per patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Case finding in high-risk patients in a primary care population can be accomplished at a relatively low cost.
Bechtel
Joel J
JJ
Western Colorado Lung Center, Grand Junction, CO, USA. tlpdoc@aol.com
Kelley
William A
WA
Coons
Teresa A
TA
Klein
M Gerry
MG
Slagel
Daniel D
DD
Petty
Thomas L
TL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003663:Decision Trees; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors