Preliminary findings of a Brazilian public lung cancer screening program in Brazil

<bold>INTRODUCTION:</bold> Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is a proven strategy for reducing deaths from lung cancer in high risk populations. Additionally, CT screening in combination with lung function testing can identify other pulmonary diseases. <bold>OBJECTIVE:</bold> To assess the feasibility and findings of a LDCT and lung function screening program in a public Hospital in Brazil. <bold>METHODS:</bold> The program was implemented in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil and the study aims at including 1000 individuals. Inclusion criteria included: age 45-75 years, smoking history of 30 years pack or former smoker < 15 years cessation. All participants reported demographic characteristics and smoking history and underwent a clinical assessment, spirometry, and thoracic LDCT screening. <bold>RESULTS:</bold> Between Feb/22 to Nov/23, we recruited 310 individuals; 277 underwent thoracic LDCT and 214 spirometry. We identified 30% participants with nodules. Seven participants required referral for lung biopsy; one was hamartoma, one was aspergillosis and 5 were lung cancer. We identified other CT abnormalities, such as coronary calcification (58%), calcification of other vessels (58%), emphysema (53%), bullae (33%), calcified granulomas (25%) and thickened bronchi wall (16%). The median of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 66.7±21.6% and forced volume capacity (FVC) was 79.4±17%. Fifty-four participants (17%) received a new diagnosis of COPD. The dyspnea index assessed by the Medical Research Council modified in COPD patients was 2.45±1.20. <bold>DISCUSSION:</bold> A comprehensive public lung cancer screening program in high-risk individuals is feasible and may help diagnosing other coexisting lung conditions.