[Implementation of a national lung cancer screening in Austria : Position paper of the Austrian Radiological Society (ÖRG), the Austrian Society of Pneumology (ÖGP), the Austrian Society of General Practice and Family Medicine (ÖGAM) and the Austrian Society of Thoracic Surgery (ÖGTC)].

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in Austria and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. International studies have demonstrated that structured screening using low-dose computed tomography reduces lung cancer mortality and increases the detection of early-stage, potentially curable disease. The aim of this position paper is to provide an evidence-based framework for the implementation of a national lung cancer screening program in Austria.

METHODS

This position paper is based on the available international evidence, current European guidelines and recommendations as well as Austrian epidemiological and health economic data. Representatives of the Austrian Radiological Society, the Austrian Society of Pneumology, the Austrian Society of General Practice and Family Medicine and the Austrian Society of Thoracic Surgery jointly developed recommendations regarding the target population, program organization, quality assurance and implementation of a national lung cancer screening program.

RESULTS

The position paper defines the target population, inclusion and exclusion criteria and the requirements for diagnostics, quality assurance, program organization and multidisciplinary care within a national screening program. The participating scientific societies jointly endorse the implementation of a quality-assured, risk-adapted national lung cancer screening program in Austria.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence supports the implementation of a national quality-assured lung cancer screening program in Austria. Such a program has the potential to sustainably reduce lung cancer mortality, increase the detection of tumors at curable stages and improve the long-term care of individuals at high risk for lung cancer. This position paper provides a scientifically sound basis for the health policy implementation of a national lung cancer screening program in Austria.