Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Implementation in Primary Care: A Call to Action

摘要

A man aged 60 years presented to his primary care physician because of a 5-kg unintentional weight loss over 3 months, hemoptysis, and exertional shortness of breath, but no fever. He had smoked 20 to 30 cigarettes a day since his 20s before quitting a year prior because of health concerns. A chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan showed findings consistent with lung cancer with metastasis and diagnosis was confirmed promptly. For this patient, a root-cause analysis may ask if opportunities at prevention or early detection were missed. The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid exposure to carcinogens (tobacco, radon, or particulate matter). However, in individuals who unfortunately develop lung cancer, early detection is potentially lifesaving.