Spiral computed tomography identifies two to four times more cases of lung cancer than a chest X-ray.

Experts in the US comment on diagnosis, incidence and outcomes in lung cancer today. They find that when used on middle-aged smokers, spiral computed tomography (CT) is more effective at diagnosis than the conventional chest X-ray. However, since CT also detects benign nodules in the lungs, diagnosis must be confirmed by positron emission tomography.

Lung cancer is the commonest cancer in men and women, worldwide. It has a greater total incidence than colorectal, cervical and breast cancer combined. In the US, lung cancer accounts for 28 per cent of all cancer deaths, and is now one of the leading causes of preventable death.

In non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy is ineffective - while surgery or radiotherapy may cure around ten per cent. Chemotherapy is, however, effective in some cases of small cell lung cancer. But, conclude the experts, a smoking ban would probably achieve more in the long-term than any treatment for lung cancer.

Source

American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine Nov 2002