Non-small-cell lung cancer: results of the New York screening program.

Radiographs of 168 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were reviewed. Following a negative initial examination, 102 tumors were detected during routine annual screening, while 66 were diagnosed during the interval between screenings. The cancers detected on routine yearly examination were smaller; the rate of resectability was higher, a larger number were Stage I, and survival was better. Within the routinely screened group, 65% had evidence of cancer on reviewing earlier radiographs; these patients tended to have earlier stages of cancer and a better survival rate.