A study in the October 2015 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that lung cancer screening does not lead to an increase in “false positive” results, which can lead to unnecessary tests and treatment.  

Previous studies have shown that lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk patients by 20%. As a result, private insurers and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services agreed to cover LDCT lung cancer screening for select patients, but critics raised concerns that false-positive results could lead to unnecessary treatment.

The researchers concluded that lung cancer screening saves lives and this study serves as a model for how to set up a screening program that is safe and effective for patients.

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