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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 34(06): 738-747
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1358615
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Radiation Risk of Lung Cancer Screening

Luba Frank
1   Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Health System, Taubman Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Emmanuel Christodoulou
2   Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Ella A. Kazerooni
3   Division of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University of Michigan Health System Cardiovascular Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 November 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (CT) is the only method ever proven to reduce lung cancer–specific mortality in high-risk current and former cigarette smokers. Radiation exposure from annual screening CT examinations and subsequent CT and nuclear medicine testing to further evaluate positive screening CTs is sometimes raised as a reason to avoid screening and is often misunderstood. With all testing, there are potential benefits and risks. As we sit on the brink of widespread adoption of lung cancer screening CT, we aim to explain why the risks associated with radiation exposure from lung cancer screening are very low and should not be used to avoid screening or dissuade individuals who qualify for screening CT to participate in a lung cancer screening program.

Keywords

lung cancer - screening - computed tomography - radiation exposure - relative risk
 

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