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Review
. 2015 May;25(2):155-60.
doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.11.003. Epub 2015 Jan 28.

Health risks from computed tomographic screening

Affiliations
Review

Health risks from computed tomographic screening

Seth B Krantz et al. Thorac Surg Clin. 2015 May.

Abstract

Results of the recent National Lung Cancer Screening Trial show a significant survival benefit for annual screening with a low-dose computed tomographic (CT) scan in high-risk individuals. This result has led the US Preventive Services Task Force to recommend annual low-dose CT scans for this at-risk population. Less well characterized are the risks from screening. The primary risks from screening are radiation exposure, false-positive results and unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and increased psychological distress. This article reviews these risks, which must be considered and weighed against the benefits when discussing enrollment with patients.

Keywords: Lung cancer; Overdiagnosis; Risks; Screening.

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