Lack of benefit from semi‐annual screening for cancer of the lung: Follow‐up report of a randomized controlled trial on a population of high‐risk males in czechoslovakia

Abstract

Cigarette‐smoking males (6,364), aged 40–64, were randomized into an intervention group which received 6‐monthly screening by chest X‐ray and sputum cytology, and a control group which received no asymptomatic investigation. After 3 years, both groups entered a follow‐up period during which they received annual chest X‐rays. Lung cancer cases detected by screening were identified at an earlier stage, more often resectable, and had a significantly better survival than “interval” cases diagnosed mainly because of symptoms. Comparison of the 2 groups showed a higher incidence of lung cancer in the intervention group, despite the follow‐up period when both groups received annual examinations. There was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups.