Screening for lung cancer is hoped to reduce mortality from this common tumour, which is
characterised by a dismal overall survival, relatively well defined risk groups (mainly heavy
cigarette smokers and workers exposed to asbestos) and a lack of early symptoms. In the
past studies using sputum cytology and chest radiography have failed to demonstrate any
reduction in lung cancer mortality through screening. One of the reasons is probably the
relatively poor sensitivity of both these tests in early tumours. Low radiation dose computed …