NLST is comparing two ways of detecting lung cancer: spiral computed tomography (CT) and standard chest X-ray. Both chest X-rays and spiral CT scans have been used to find lung cancer early. So far, neither chest X-rays nor spiral CT scans has been shown to reduce a person's chance of dying from lung cancer. This study will aim to show if either test is better at reducing deaths from this disease.
By February 2004, nearly 50,000 current or former smokers had joined NLST at more than 30 study sites across the country. The trial, now closed to further enrollment, is slated to collect and analyze data for eight years, and will examine the risks and benefits of spiral CT scans compared to chest X-rays. . . . more info
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