Who is recommended for annual lung cancer screening?

The recommendation for annual lung cancer screening specifically targets adults aged 55 to 80 who have a significant smoking history, defined as a 30 pack-year history. A pack-year is a measure that indicates the number of years a person has smoked multiplied by the number of packs of cigarettes smoked each day. This population is at a higher risk for developing lung cancer, making it crucial to identify potential cases early through screenings such as low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans.

Screening in this demographic has been associated with a reduction in lung cancer mortality, as early detection allows for earlier treatment interventions that can significantly improve outcomes. The age range is also important, as lung cancer risk increases with age. Therefore, the criteria focus on those who are most likely to benefit from screening while minimizing unnecessary tests in populations at lower risk.

The other options either broaden the criteria too far or do not align with established guidelines from health organizations, which specifically emphasize the importance of a combination of age and smoking history for screening recommendations.