In the next few weeks, we will release an update to our Lung Cancer HRA to align with new national guidelines. This will include updated documentation and supporting materials, i.e. the Overview, Follow-Up Guide, and Sample Report.
Background
In March of 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated their lung cancer screening recommendations to say:
“The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.”
This replaces the 2013 USPSTF statement that set the minimum age for LDCT screening at age 55 and a smoking pack-year history at 30 years. Other medical societies recommend slightly different age minimum (55 years), age maximum (74, 77 or 79 years) and smoking pack-year cut-off (30 years).
Lung Cancer HRA 2021 Update
The 2021 update modifies the multivariable algorithm that includes users’ current age and smoking history to provide personalized follow-up messaging and calls-to-action. Because of the change in screening recommendations the group of people advised to discuss screening options with their doctors has been expanded to include people who are:
- Age 50-54 with more than 20 pack years of smoking
- Age 78-79 with more than 20 pack years of smoking
- Age 55-77 with 20 to 29 pack years of smoking
Additionally, messaging to users who are going to need to receive screening in the future has been revised to advise that they begin a screening discussion with their doctor at age 50 instead of 55.
Again, this update has not yet been released. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please contact us.
References for these changes as well as updated documentation and support materials are available upon request.
