Understanding the risks of overdiagnosis in lung cancer screening

Estimating Overdiagnosis After Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening in Community-Based Healthcare Systems

NIH-funded research Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10953425

This study is looking into whether lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans might sometimes find cancers that wouldn't have caused any problems, which could lead to unnecessary worry and treatment for patients; it's designed to help improve how we approach lung cancer screening in community healthcare.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10953425 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential overdiagnosis of lung cancer resulting from low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in community healthcare settings. It aims to assess how many lung cancers detected through screening may not have caused harm if left untreated, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and aggressive treatments for patients. By analyzing data from various community practices, the study seeks to clarify the balance between the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening. This research will help inform guidelines and decision-making for lung cancer screening in the future.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer and are considering or have undergone lung cancer screening.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with lung cancer or those who are not at risk for lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved lung cancer screening practices that minimize unnecessary treatments and anxiety for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated concerns about overdiagnosis in cancer screening, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Oakland, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer DetectionCancersChronic Obstruction Pulmonary DiseaseChronic Obstructive Lung DiseaseChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.