Abstract

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, primarily due to latestage diagnosis. Early detection through screening has the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates. Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) has emerged as a pivotal tool in lung cancer screening, offering high sensitivity in detecting early-stage lung cancers while minimizing radiation exposure. This abstract reviews the efficacy, benefits, and challenges associated with LDCT screening for lung cancer. It delves into the key findings from major clinical trials, such as the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), which demonstrated a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality with LDCT screening. The abstract also discusses the implications of LDCT screening on public health policies, including recommendations from health organizations, cost-effectiveness considerations, and the potential for overdiagnosis and false positives. Furthermore, it addresses the integration of LDCT screening into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of risk stratification, patient selection criteria, and the role of smoking cessation programs. The abstract concludes by exploring future directions in lung cancer screening, including advancements in imaging technology, artificial intelligence applications, and personalized screening strategies. By providing a comprehensive overview of LDCT and its implications, this abstract aims to inform healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers about the current state and future prospects of lung cancer screening.