Lung cancer screening and the Population pilot program for the early detection of lung cancer in the Czech Republic
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common and most serious oncological diseases. Despite progress in diagnostic methods, most tumors are detected in advanced stages associated with an unfavorable prognosis.
One of the possibilities to change this situation is the search for early stages of tumors in the asymptomatic risk population using low-dose computed tomography. The benefit of this approach has been confirmed by clinical studies (the largest are NLST and NELSON).
It is currently recommended by a number of professional societies. The introduction of lung cancer screening is also part of the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the National Oncology Plan of the Czech Republic 2030.
The population-based pilot program for the early detection of lung cancer was launched in the Czech Republic on January 1, 2022. Its primary goal is the early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer, which, in combination with appropriate treatment, will lead to a reduction in mortality.
The article provides basic information about this program including the results of the first data audit.