Journal of oncology practice
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In December 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued a final B-level recommendation indicating that individuals between the ages of 55 and 80 years who have a 30-pack-year smoking history and have smoked within the past 15 years should receive annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening. We convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to create practical guidance for efficiently implementing effective CT lung cancer screening programs. ⋯ Implementation of effective and efficient population-based CT lung cancer screening will require involvement and coordination of stakeholders across the health care system to address the data and infrastructural needs that were identified.
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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) palliative care (PC) guideline recommends PC screening for all patients and provides criteria for identifying those in need of referral to a PC specialist. This two-step process has not yet been validated as accurately identifying patients in need. The aim of this study was to validate a simplified method for screening and referral based on the existing guideline criteria. ⋯ The tool seems to be a valid method for identifying patients with cancer with complex PC needs who would benefit from a PC consult. Reliability testing, external validation, and demonstration of the utility of the tool as a decision aid all await confirmation.