Journal of medical screening
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Current United States recommendations for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening limit eligibility to ever-smokers with 30+ pack-years, with former smokers eligible only within 15 years of quitting. The 15 year limit is partly based on perceived decreases in lung cancer risk as years since quitting (YSQ) increase. We examine the relationship between lung cancer risk and YSQ among 30+ pack-year former smokers. ⋯ Lung cancer risk decreases gradually with YSQ in 30+ pack year former smokers. A range of upper limits on YSQ may be supportable for LDCT screening.