On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced it has updated its lung cancer screening recommendations. The task force now recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults aged 50 to 80 years (previously 55 to 80 years) who have a 20 pack-years smoking history (previously 30 pack-years) or who have quit within the last 15 years. This update nearly doubles the number of people eligible for screening.
The update also has a direct impact on addressing disparities associated with lung cancer. The expansion of the eligible patient criteria will allow more patients of ethnic and racial minorities and women to qualify for lung cancer screening.
The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.
Read the updated USPTSF recommendations.
Posted 3/9/2021
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
