Further Validation: NCCN Recommends Lung Cancer Screening

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has recently updated their recommendations in favor of lung cancer screening. We previously announced the National Lung Screening Trial results, which confirmed a 20 percent reduction in lung cancer- related deaths in heavy smokers screened with low- dose CT. The NCCN support is especially significant as it’s the first professional group to come out in favor of lung cancer screening.

The NCCN update was made after a comprehensive review of all lung cancer screening evidence to date. According to the NCCN, “NCCN Guidelines are widely recognized and used as the standard for clinical policy in oncology by clinicians and payers.”

UCSF Radiology, in support of the new NCCN recommendations, has established the UCSF Lung Cancer Screening Program (LCSP). This program, which includes a low- dose CT scan and a consultation with a UCSF pulmonologist, is being offered at a discounted self-pay price.  For appropriate candidates, those aged 55- 74 years old who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years, the LCSP is a cost effective way to potentially prolong life through early detection.

UCSF Pulmonologist Dr. Lorriana Leard, co- director of the LCSP, is one of the members of the NCCN responsible for establishing these updated guidelines. She and LCSP co- director Radiologist Dr. Brett Elicker agree that “this is the first group to come out in favor of screening. It is very significant in that respect.”

As the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial results and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s recommendations validate, lung cancer screening is a potentially life saving procedure for qualified candidates. To learn more, please see here.