Selecting high-risk individuals for lung cancer screening; the use of risk prediction models vs. simplified eligibility criteria

In 2011 the US National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) showed a 20% reduction in lung-cancer mortality among long-term heavy smokers screened by low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) compared to standard X-ray diagnostics (1), and the US Prevention Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends lung cancer screening for all individuals who meet the original NLST eligibility criteria of being 55 to 80 years of age, having smoked 30 or more pack years, and not having quit smoking more than 15 years ago.