Lung cancer is subtle, and often causes no symptoms until it has spread outside the lung. At the present time, the American Cancer Society does not recommend general screening for lung cancer, but does consider screening potentially useful in individual cases.  Patients at high risk (smoking history, occupational exposures such as asbestos, family history, history of cancer of lung or head and neck) should be considered for screening. The prognosis and outcome is significantly improved if we are able to detect lung cancer at an early stage, because surgery can offer potential cure. Studies in the past have suggested that routine chest x-ray and sputum cytology (phlegm analysis) is not good enough to detect early stage lung cancer.  Better tools are needed.

At Roswell Park Cancer Institute, we are studying the use of LIFE (Laser Induced Fluorescence Endoscopy) bronchoscopy, sputum cytology and low dose spiral CT scan to detect early stage lung cancer in high risk patients.

For high-risk patients, a “low dose spiral CT scan” is recommended. This CT scan is done and reviewed by radiologists at RPCI and the results are reviewed with the patient, usually within a week. Phlegm (sputum cytology) is usually collected for analysis, and is examined under the microscope for cancer cells. LIFE bronchoscopy is sometimes recommended to look for signs of early cancer in the airway.

Low dose spiral CT and LIFE bronchoscopy are covered by most insurance plans when they are indicated, but for these measures to be cost effective, it is necessary to use them in patients where the risk of lung cancer is the highest.  Our program has been designed with “high risk patients” in mind. When patients are seen for their initial visit in the lung cancer screening clinic, a chest x–ray and a brief “breathing test” (spirogram) are obtained.  The health care provider will examine patients and their level of risk for lung cancer is assessed. From here, we determine the best course for the patient.

For further information call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724).