Overview
- Eligibility covers adults aged 50 to 75 who currently smoke or quit within the past 10 years, with at least 25 years of smoking and a minimum of 15 pack-years.
- Entry to the program runs through GPs or internists who verify eligibility, provide counseling and a required 24-page brochure, and issue referrals to qualified radiology practices.
- Screening uses low-dose CT once per year, and results must be provided within 14 days with pathways ranging from routine annual follow-up to additional diagnostics such as biopsy when warranted.
- Nationwide rollout will be uneven at first because referring physicians need special training and radiologists must complete dedicated training and secure approval from regional physician associations.
- Program materials outline trade-offs, including about 14 false-positive findings per 1,000 screens and a small added radiation-related cancer risk over long-term participation, and enrollment is voluntary with no insurance penalty for declining.