Incorporating Baseline Lung Function in Lung Cancer Screening: Does a “Lung Health Check” Help Predict Outcomes?

Abstract

Recently published lung cancer screening programs from the United Kingdom have targeted deprived communities and included routine baseline spirometry.1,2 Although not widely recommended,3 advocates for screening spirometry in asymptomatic smokers have described this as a “Lung Health Check,” an opportunity to identify COPD at a presymptomatic stage and basis for maintaining good lung health through targeted preventive measures.3,4 Using this approach, these lung cancer screening studies found that between 37% and 67% of their eligible smokers had airflow limitation consistent with COPD.