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Simple Questionaire Can Identify Patients At High Risk For Lung Cancer, Study Suggests

Date:
November 11, 2009
Source:
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
Summary:
A new study confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer. Initiated in 2001, the current study confirmed 18 cases of cancer of the original 430 patients who qualified as high risk after completing a five-minute questionnaire.
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A study featured in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer. Initiated in 2001, the current study confirmed 18 cases of cancer of the original 430 patients who qualified as high risk after completing a five-minute questionnaire.

The study was conducted in primary care physician offices among patients seeking care for general health issues. The evaluating physician incorporated a simple questionnaire focused in three areas: risks, environments and genetics. Specific questions included smoking habit, occupational environments (mining, construction or railroad),subsequent exposure to chemicals and family history.

Colorado's Primary Care Partners surveyed more than 1,000 patients to evaluate their corresponding risk of lung cancer. Almost half of those surveyed qualified as high risk, and 126 of these identified underwent spinometry, a non-invasive breath measurement procedure. Of the patients with airflow obstruction, 88 underwent a full lung cancer screening. After five years, the study confirmed lung cancer in eight patients with obstructed airflow and 10 in of the patients without.

The study opened the door to mitigate late diagnosis through embedding these simple questions into the patient-physician dialogue. "Simple by design, our initiative received widespread community support from physicians, patients and hospitals," said lead investigator Thomas Petty, MD. By providing the guidelines for pointed questions when patients are face-to-face with physicians, we can begin to identify those at risk."


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Materials provided by International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. "Simple Questionaire Can Identify Patients At High Risk For Lung Cancer, Study Suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 November 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132533.htm>.
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. (2009, November 11). Simple Questionaire Can Identify Patients At High Risk For Lung Cancer, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 13, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132533.htm
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. "Simple Questionaire Can Identify Patients At High Risk For Lung Cancer, Study Suggests." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132533.htm (accessed December 13, 2024).

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