What is the maximum age at which the USPSTF recommends annual lung cancer screening should be stopped?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) should generally be stopped at the age of 80 years. This recommendation is based on a balance of benefits and harms associated with lung cancer screening as individuals age.

As people exceed this age, the likelihood of experiencing the adverse effects of screening, such as false-positive results and subsequent invasive procedures, can outweigh the potential benefits of detecting lung cancer early, particularly given that the overall life expectancy may decrease.

The upper age limit of 80 years allows health care providers to focus on those who are most likely to benefit from screening, which typically includes individuals who are current or former smokers with a significant smoking history. This approach aligns with a careful consideration of both the efficacy of screening and the patient’s overall health status as they age.