CT scans cut lung cancer deaths

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Heavy smokers who got low-dose helical computed tomography scans had 20 percent fewer lung cancer deaths, U.S. researchers find.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute say the randomized U.S. trial involving about 53,500 current and former heavy smokers ages 55-74 compared two screening procedures for lung cancer -- CT and standard chest X-ray -- on lung cancer mortality and finds 20 percent fewer lung cancer deaths.

Beginning in 2002, the smokers and former smokers, who had a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years and had no signs, symptoms, or history of lung cancer were enrolled at 33 trial sites. They received three yearly scans or X-rays and were tracked for five more years.

"This large and well-designed study used rigorous scientific methods to test ways to prevent death from lung cancer by screening patients at especially high risk," Dr. Harold Varmus, director of the NCI, says in a statement. "Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S., so a validated approach that can reduce lung cancer mortality by even 20 percent has the potential to spare very significant numbers of people from the ravages of this disease."

However, Varmus warns findings should not distract people from continued efforts to curtail smoking, which remains the major causative factor for lung cancer and several other diseases.

The findings are published in the journal Radiology.