What is the recommended method for lung cancer screening in high-risk adults?

The recommended method for lung cancer screening in high-risk adults is annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). This approach is supported by strong evidence, particularly from clinical trials such as the National Lung Screening Trial, which demonstrated that LDCT significantly reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk populations.

High-risk individuals typically include those who are aged 50 to 80 years, with a history of heavy smoking (current smokers or those who have quit within the past 15 years), and a significant smoking history quantified as a 20 pack-year history or more. The effectiveness of annual LDCT is due to its ability to detect lung cancer at earlier and potentially more treatable stages compared to other methods.

Other approaches listed, such as CT scans every five years, physical examinations yearly, and X-rays every two years, do not provide the same level of sensitivity for early lung cancer detection nor do they align with the current guidelines endorsed by the USPSTF, which emphasizes the importance of LDCT screening for high-risk populations.