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U.S. Lung Cancer Screening at 18.7% in 2024, ACS Analysis Finds

Researchers say full participation could prevent tens of thousands more deaths over five years.

Overview

  • Only 18.7% of the 12.76 million adults eligible under USPSTF criteria were up to date with screening in 2024.
  • At current uptake, the study estimates about 14,970 lung cancer deaths prevented and 190,030 life-years gained over five years.
  • Modeling suggests 100% uptake among eligible adults could prevent roughly 62,110 deaths and yield about 872,270 life-years over five years.
  • The analysis used 2024 National Health Interview Survey data with two validated predictive models, with uptake lowest at ages 50–54 (7.9%) and highest at 70–80 (22.8%).
  • An accompanying JAMA editorial and ACS/ACS CAN statements call for a national push to raise participation, expand eligibility regardless of years since quitting, and eliminate patient costs.