Lung cancer is a leading cause of death amongst smokers in this country, as it is around the world. The cure rate for lung cancer is 12% and the 5-year survival is only slightly better than this. Interestingly, the 5-year survival rate for stage 1 lung cancer treated by surgery is 70%. This data suggests that survival in lung cancer may be substantially improved by early detection through a screening program and surgical intervention. Several randomized trials in the 1970's using chest radiographs as a screening tool have not convincingly shown a beneficial effect on mortality.
