An Evaluation of Radiologic and Cytologic Screening for the Early Detection of Lung Cancer: A Cooperative Pilot Study of the American Cancer Society and the Veterans Administration

A population of 14,607 members of VA Domiciliaries was screened for lung cancer at approximately 6-month intervals for a period of 3 years, 1958–1961. Sputum cytology slides, stereoroentgen films, and questionnaires on smoking habits and respiratory symptoms were obtained at each screening examination. Because of population mobility (discharges, new admissions, readmissions), some veterans were screened only once, but about half were screened at least 3 times. Those domiciliary members who had suspicious or positive findings on screening received diagnostic review or further examinations in an attempt to make a more definite diagnosis. The entire population was followed up through the Veterans Administration with respect to their mortality experience.