To compare clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of lung cancer patients in South Korea based on eligibility under current international screening recommendations.
Approach:
Study Design: A nationwide, population-based cohort study using the Korea National Cancer Incidence database and National Health Insurance Service database.
Data Collection: Data was linked using anonymized resident registration numbers for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer between 2012 and 2020.
Eligibility Criteria Evaluation: Comparison of lung cancer screening eligibility based on ACS, NCCN, and Korean national screening criteria.
Key Findings:
Approximately 50% of lung cancer patients in the US and UK would not meet current screening criteria.
Asia accounts for over 60% of global lung cancer cases, with a rising number of cases in non-smokers.
Limited large-scale evidence exists comparing survival outcomes between patients meeting and not meeting current screening criteria.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for ongoing research to inform screening strategies, especially for individuals with no smoking history.
Limitations:
The study did not include individuals diagnosed after the introduction of the national screening program in South Korea.
Information on years since smoking cessation was not available.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the importance of reevaluating lung cancer screening criteria to potentially include a broader population.
