Wednesday, May 30, 2018 – Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) continues to represent those at risk for lung cancer and has reignited coalition efforts through a partnership with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Radiology (ACR). The coalition submitted recommendations to United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent body established by the government to evaluate preventive services, in an effort to shape the next round of USPSTF review for lung cancer screening. The USPSTF recommendation is approaching a five-year anniversary in 2019. The coalition letter encourages USPSTF to evaluate screening from objective information reflecting current studies and real world implementation experience for the benefit of those at high risk.

Almost five years ago, USPSTF reviewed the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial and recommended lung cancer screening using low-dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) as a preventive health service for people who meet certain high-risk criteria (click here to read the current recommendation).

Currently, USPSTF recommends lung cancer screening as a national preventive service that is covered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as most private insurers. Having led the decade of work to secure this benefit, LCA remains committed to ensuring that our patient community continues to have access and that we expand the criteria for this high quality, life-saving benefit.