Development and validation of a prediction model for early screening of people at high risk for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still not optimistic.In China,the incidence of CRC in the Yangtze River Delta region is increasing dramatically,but few studies have been conducted.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a simple and efficient early screening model for CRC.AIM To develop and validate an early-screening nomogram model to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.METHODS Data of 64448 participants obtained from Ningbo Hospital,China between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The cohort comprised 64448 individuals,of which,530 were excluded due to missing or incorrect data.Of 63918,7607(11.9%)individuals were considered to be high risk for CRC,and 56311(88.1%)were not.The participants were randomly allocated to a training set(44743)or validation set(19175).The discriminatory ability,predictive accuracy,and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by constructing and analyzing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves and by decision curve analysis.Finally,the model was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique.RESULTS Seven variables,including demographic,lifestyle,and family history information,were examined.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio(OR):1.03,95%confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.03,P<0.001],body mass index(BMI)(OR:1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.08,P<0.001),waist circumference(WC)(OR:1.03,95%CI:1.02-1.03 P<0.001),lifestyle(OR:0.45,95%CI:0.42-0.48,P<0.001),and family history(OR:4.28,95%CI:4.04-4.54,P<0.001)were the most significant predictors of high-risk CRC.Healthy lifestyle was a protective factor,whereas family history was the most significant risk factor.The area under the curve was 0.734(95%CI:0.723-0.745)for the final validation set ROC curve and 0.735(95%CI:0.728-0.742)for the training set ROC curve.The calibration curve demonstrated a high correlation between the CRC high-risk population predicted by the nomogram model and the actual CRC high-risk population.CONCLUSION The early-screening nomogram model for CRC prediction in high-risk populations developed in this study based on age,BMI,WC,lifestyle,and family history exhibited high accuracy.

A Comprehensive Study on the digestive Endoscopic Technique and Narrow-Band Imaging for Early Gastric Cancer Screening

Objective:To explore the implementation of gastrointestinal endoscopy technology and endoscopic narrow-band imaging(NBI)in the early screening of gastric cancer and to observe and study their application effects.Methods:During the period from March 2023 to August 2023,312 patients who received gastroscopy in the Kunming Guandu District People’s Hospital were selected,and they underwent both conventional gastroscopy and endoscopic NBI,with clinicopathological tissue biopsy serving as the gold standard.The application value for early screening of gastric cancer was observed and analyzed.Results:The scoring data showed that the clarity of gastric mucosal glandular tube structure,microvascular structure clarity,and lesion contour scoring data of conventional gastroscopy were lower than those of the NBI technology(P<0.05).The screening rate of pathological biopsy in 312 patients was 18.59%(58 cases).Conventional gastroscopy showed a screening rate of 11.53%(36 cases),while NBI technology examined a screening rate of 17.63%(55 cases),and the two-by-two comparison of the screening rate data of the three groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of conventional gastroscopy appeared to be lower than those of NBI technology(P<0.05).Conclusion:In the early screening of gastric cancer,endoscopic NBI technology can be applied to patients.Compared with conventional gastroscopy,it provides a clearer visualization of the structure of the gastric mucosal glandular structure and microvascular structure,with a certain screening rate.Additionally,its sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value are higher,demonstrating outstanding effectiveness.

Esophageal cancer screening,early detection and treatment:Current insights and future directions

Esophageal cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors globally,primarily due to its highly aggressive nature and poor survival rates.According to the 2020 global cancer statistics,there were approximately 604000 new cases of esophageal cancer,resulting in 544000 deaths.The 5-year survival rate hovers around a mere 15%-25%.Notably,distinct variations exist in the risk factors associated with the two primary histological types,influencing their worldwide incidence and distribution.Squamous cell carcinoma displays a high incidence in specific regions,such as certain areas in China,where it meets the cost-effect-iveness criteria for widespread endoscopy-based early diagnosis within the local population.Conversely,adenocarcinoma(EAC)represents the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer in Europe and the United States.The role of early diagnosis in cases of EAC originating from Barrett's esophagus(BE)remains a subject of controversy.The effectiveness of early detection for EAC,particularly those arising from BE,continues to be a debated topic.The variations in how early-stage esophageal carcinoma is treated in different regions are largely due to the differing rates of early-stage cancer diagnoses.In areas with higher incidences,such as China and Japan,early diagnosis is more common,which has led to the advancement of endoscopic methods as definitive treatments.These techniques have demonstrated remarkable efficacy with minimal complications while preserving esophageal functionality.Early screening,prompt diagnosis,and timely treatment are key strategies that can significantly lower both the occurrence and death rates associated with esophageal cancer.

Refining the targeted population and achieving better for colorectal cancer screening

This editorial comments on the article entitled“Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route:Who should be screened?”by Agatsuma et al,who conducted a retrospective study aiming at clarifying the stage at colorectal cancer(CRC)diagnosis based on different diagnostic routes.We share our opinion about CRC screening programs.The current situation suggests the need for a more specific and targeted population for CRC screening.

Women Breast Cancer: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Factors Associated with Early Screening in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin in 2018

Background: Breast cancer is the dominant cancer in women in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors associated with early breast cancer screening among women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study with prospective data collection from October 1 to 8, 2018, involving 1740 women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi, aged 18 years or older and selected by WHO four-stage random cluster sampling. Consenting women who were mentally competent, 18 years of age or older at the time of the survey, and residing continuously in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi for the last six months prior to the survey were included. On the other hand, women who belonged to a breast cancer prevention service, women in whom secondary screening was noted, or non-consenting women were not included. The initial minimum size was estimated by the Schwartz formula with a cluster effect of k = 2. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, entered with Epidata 3.1. Fr and analyzed with R Studio 3.5.1. software. Results: The mean age of the women surveyed was 32.0 ± 11.5 years with a range of 18 and 71 years. Regarding knowledge, the clinical manifestation known by the majority of women was the presence of a nodule (68.50%). In the series, 1308 (75.17%) declared having heard about breast cancer once before, either on the radio, television or from friends and 726 (55.50%) had heard about breast cancer screening. Five hundred and twelve (70.52%) of the 726 who had heard of breast cancer said they knew that breast cancer could be screened earlier. Breast self-examination was the most cited screening method (67.58%). The disease is of natural origin according to 37.84% of them. Regarding attitudes and practices, the prevalence of early breast cancer screening was 12.93%, of which 11.67% declared that they had checked themselves to know whether they were carriers of the disease or not. The main means of the early screening used was breast self-examination (85.78%). Factors associated with early breast cancer screening found in multivariate analysis were age (≤50 years), education level (increasingly higher), marital status (married/coupled), place of residence (downtown), and socioeconomic level (average/high). Conclusion: The frequency of early breast cancer screening among women is still low in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, although they have a good knowledge of the disease. This raises the need to strengthen awareness of early breast cancer screening.

Epidemiology and early screening strategies for colorectal cancer in China

China ranks the first worldwide in the number of new colorectal cancer(CRC) cases and CRC-related deaths. The increasing incidence of early-onset CRC in recent years highlights the challenges related to CRC screening and prevention. High-quality colonoscopy is the universally used gold standard for CRC screening. Risk assessment combined with a two-step screening strategy based on colonoscopy and non-invasive examinations was proven to be highly effective. However, systematic use of well-established risk factors associated with CRC, beyond age, could better identify those who might harbor advanced colorectal neoplasia, improve the diagnostic yield of current screening modalities, and optimize the selection of individuals who might benefit most from preventive strategies.“Personalization” and “Standardization” are the future development directions of CRC screening, from the initiation of screening in those at high risk for CRC to follow-up after treatment, which are the key to ensure the screening efficiency.

Early screening of lung cancers:an effort arduous but worthwhile

Cancers are a concerning health catastrophe worldwide that may become the end of lifetime for many of us--they overwhelmingly exhaust medical resources, lead to huge economic burdens, and separate people from their beloved ones. Fewer and fewer insurance agencies are willing to include primary cancers on their general health insurance plan, just because cancers have been so flummoxingly usual in our daily life that many primary cancer claims would give rise to much less profits.

Feasible Method to Assess the Performance of a Lung Cancer CT Screening CAD System in Clinical Practice: Dependence on Nodule Size and Density

Detection of small pulmonary nodules is the goal of lung cancer screening. Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are recommended to use in lung cancer computed tomography (CT) screening to increase the accuracy of nodule detection. Size and density of lung nodules are primary factors in determining the risk of malignancy. Therefore, purpose of this study is to apply computer-simulated virtual nodules based on the point spread function (PSF) measured in same scanner (maintaining spatial resolution condition) to assess the CAD system performance dependence on nodule size and density. Virtual nodules with density differences between lung background and nodule density (ΔCT) values (200, 300 and 400 HU) and different sizes (4 to 8 mm) were generated and fused on clinical images. CAD detection was performed and free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curves were obtained. Results show that both density and size of virtual nodules can affect detection efficiency. Detailed results are possible to use for quantitative analysis of a CAD system performance. This study suggests that PSF-based virtual nodules could be effectively used to assess the lung cancer CT screening CAD system performance dependence on nodule size and density.

Optimization of colorectal cancer screening strategies: New insights

In this editorial,we discuss the article by Agatsuma et al.We concentrate specifically on the current routinely used screening tests recommended by society guidelines and delve into the significance of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer(CRC)and its substantial impact on both incidence and mortality rates.Screening is highly recommended,and an early diagnosis stands out as the most crucial predictor of survival for CRC patients.Therefore,it is essential to identify and address the barriers hindering adherence to screening measures,as these barriers can vary among different populations.Furthermore,we focus on screening strategy optimization by selecting high-risk groups.Patients with comorbidities who regularly visit hospitals have been diagnosed at an early stage,showing no significant difference compared to patients undergoing regular screening.This finding highlights the importance of extending screening measures to include patients with comorbidities who do not routinely visit the hospital.

Role of different examination methods in colorectal cancer screening:Insights and future directions

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor with the third and second highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide,and its mortality rate is increasing annually.Colorectal cancer evolves gradually over a long period of time.The evolving process from colorectal adenoma to colorectal cancer takes approximately 10-15 years,providing a sufficiently long"window period"for early screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer.The recurrence and mortality rates can be controlled at a low level with an early intervention.Metaxas et al summarized existing screening methods and their applicable scope in a recent publication.Moreover,they provide suggestions on how to improve adherence.This editorial provides a commentary on their article and discuss the roles of different screening methods in the early screening of colorectal cancer.

Mortality outcomes of low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer in urban China:a decision analysis and implications for practice

Background: Mortality outcomes in trials of low-dose computed tomography(CT) screening for lung cancer are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate whether CT screening in urban areas of China could reduce lung cancer mortality and to investigate the factors that associate with the screening effect.Methods: A decision tree model with three scenarios(low-dose CT screening, chest X-ray screening, and no screening) was developed to compare screening results in a simulated Chinese urban cohort(100,000 smokers aged45-80 years). Data of participant characteristics were obtained from national registries and epidemiological surveys for estimating lung cancer prevalence. The selection of other tree variables such as sensitivities and specificities of low-dose CT and chest X-ray screening were based on literature research. Differences in lung cancer mortality(primary outcome), false diagnoses, and deaths due to false diagnosis were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the factors that associate with the screening results and to ascertain worst and optimal screening effects considering possible ranges of the variables.Results: Among the 100,000 subjects, there were 448,541, and 591 lung cancer deaths in the low-dose CT, chest X-ray, and no screening scenarios, respectively(17.2% reduction in low-dose CT screening over chest X-ray screening and 24.2% over no screening). The costs of the two screening scenarios were 9387 and 2497 false diagnoses and 7and 2 deaths due to false diagnosis among the 100,000 persons, respectively. The factors that most influenced death reduction with low-dose CT screening over no screening were lung cancer prevalence in the screened cohort, lowdose CT sensitivity, and proportion of early-stage cancers among low-dose CT detected lung cancers. Considering all possibilities, reduction in deaths(relative numbers) with low-dose CT screening in the worst and optimal cases were16(5.4%) and 288(40.2%) over no screening, respectively.Conclusions: In terms of mortality outcomes, our findings favor conducting low-dose CT screening in urban China.However, approaches to reducing false diagnoses and optimizing important screening conditions such as enrollment criteria for screening are highly needed.

Advances in lung cancer screening and early detection

Lung cancer is associated with a heavy cancer-related burden in terms of patients’physical and mental health worldwide.Two randomized controlled trials,the US-National Lung Screening Trial(NLST)and Nederlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings Onderzoek(NELSON),indicated that low-dose CT(LDCT)screening results in a statistically significant decrease in mortality in patients with lung cancer,LDCT has become the standard approach for lung cancer screening.However,many issues in lung cancer screening remain unresolved,such as the screening criteria,high false-positive rate,and radiation exposure.This review first summarizes recent studies on lung cancer screening from the US,Europe,and Asia,and discusses risk-based selection for screening and the related issues.Second,an overview of novel techniques for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules,including artificial intelligence and molecular biomarker-based screening,is presented.Third,current explorations of strategies for suspected malignancy are summarized.Overall,this review aims to help clinicians understand recent progress in lung cancer screening and alleviate the burden of lung cancer.

Coronary artery calcium score on low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of coronary artery calcium score(CACS) on low-dose non-gated chest CT(ngCCT).METHODS: Sixty consecutive individuals(30 males; 73 ± 7 years) scheduled for risk stratification by means of unenhanced ECG-triggered cardiac computed to-mography(gCCT) underwent additional unenhanced ngCCT. All CT scans were performed on a 64-slice CT scanner(Somatom Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens, Germany). CACS was calculated using conventional methods/scores(Volume, Mass, Agatston) as previ-ously described in literature. The CACS value obtained were compared. The Mayo Clinic classification was used to stratify cardiovascular risk based on Agatston CACS. Differences and correlations between the two methods were compared. A P-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant.RESULTS: Mean CACS values were significantly higher for gCCT as compared to ngCCT(Volume: 418 ± 747 vs 332 ± 597; Mass: 89 ± 151 vs 78 ± 141; Agatston: 481 ± 854 vs 428 ± 776; P < 0.05). The correlation between the two values was always very high(Volume: r = 0.95; Mass: r = 0.97; Agatston: r = 0.98). Of the 6 patients with 0 Agatston score on gCCT, 2(33%) showed an Agatston score > 0 in the ngCCT. Of the 3 patients with 1-10 Agatston score on gCCT, 1(33%) showed an Agatston score of 0 in the ngCCT. Overall, 23(38%) patients were reclassified in a different car-diovascular risk category, mostly(18/23; 78%) shifting to a lower risk in the ngCCT. The estimated radiation dose was significantly higher for gCCT(DLP 115.8 ± 50.7 vs 83.8 ± 16.3; Effective dose 1.6 ± 0.7 mSv vs 1.2 ± 0.2 mSv; P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: CACS assessment is feasible on ngCCT; the variability of CACS values and the associated re-stratification of patients in cardiovascular risk groups should be taken into account.

Lung cancer screening-don't forget the chest radiograph

Lung cancer is a major health burden and early detection only bears the possibility of curative treatment. Screening with computed tomography(CT) recently demonstrated a mortality reduction in selected patients and has been incorporated in clinical guidelines. Problems of screening with CT are the excessive number of false positive findings, costs, radiation burden and from a global point of view shortage of CT capacity. In contrast, chest radiography could be an ideal screening tool in the early detection of lung cancer. It is widely available, easy to perform, cheap, the radiation burden is negligible and there is only a low rate of false positive findings. Large randomized controlled trials could not show a mortality reduction, but different large population-based cohort studies have shown a lung cancer mortality reduction. It has been argued that community-based cohort studies are more closely reflecting the "real world" of everyday medicine. Radiologists should be aware of the found mortality reduction and realize that early detection of lung cancer is possible when reading their daily chest radiographs. Offering a chest radiograph in selected scenarios for the early detection of lung cancer is therefore still justified.

Insight into early-phase trials for lung cancer in the United States

Introduction:Few data have been published comparing early-phase trials for lung cancer between China and the United States(US).This study was to investigate the differences of phase 1 trials for lung cancer between these two countries.Methods:In 2014,a cross-sectional survey was conducted to compare phase 1 trials for lung cancer between the Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute(GLCI),the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center(UWCCC),and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center(MDACC).Results:We found that the GLCI had a lower percentage of phase 1 lung cancer trials than the MDACC in December2014(23.8%[5/21]vs.59.8%[28/47],P = 0.006) and the UWCCC in September 2014(16.7%[3/18]vs.34.8%[8/23],P = 0.345).Descriptive analyses were performed for early-phase trials conducted by the CancerTherapy Evaluation Program at the National Cancer Institute(CTEP/NCI),the MDACC,and the Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group(CTONG).There were 149 ongoing early-phase trials in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics(Phase 1 program) at the MDACC in October 2014.In contrast,no phase 1 trials had been initiated by the CTONG since its establishment in 2007.Conclusions:These data suggest that a significantly higher percentage of phase 1 trials for lung cancer were conducted in the US than in China.Early-phase oncology trials with robust preclinical data had a higher chance of being approved by the Investigational Drug Branch at the CTEP/NCI.Given the importance of early-phase oncology trials in developing innovative cancer medicines,such studies should be highly encouraged and strategically funded in China.

Screening for lung cancer with chest computerized tomography: Is it cost efficient?

Despite lung cancer(LC) screening by low-dose computerized tomography(LDCT) gaining many proponents worldwide, for many years it was not recognized as a life-prolonging and cost-effective procedure, until recently. Prospective observational studies had not been able to prove that this screening prolongs survival, but they helped to specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Long-awaited results of a prospective, randomized trial finally provided the evidence that LC screening with LDCT can prolong survival of the screened population. Several costeffectiveness analyses were performed to justify mass introduction of this screening. Results of these analyses are equivocal, although conclusions highly depend upon inclusion and exclusion criteria, methods of analysis and prices of medical procedures which differ between countries as well as the incidence of other pulmonary nodules, especially tuberculosis. Therefore, costeffectiveness analysis should be performed separately for every country. Cost-effectiveness depends especially upon the rate of false-positive results and the rate of unnecessary diagnostic, screening and treatment procedures. To ensure high cost-effectiveness, LC screening should be performed in accordance with screening protocol, in dedicated screening centers equipped with nodule volume change analysis, or as a prospective non-randomized trial, to ensure compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. To ensure high cost-effectiveness of LC screening, future research should concentrate on determination of highrisk groups and further specifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Delivery Techniques for Early-Stage Lung Cancer Using Lung Toxicity Modeling

Purpose: Lung toxicity is a primary side effect in stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to use a set of radiobiological models to evaluate and compare modern IMRT delivery techniques with three-dimensional conformal techniques for SBRT treatment of NSCLC in terms of lung toxicity, and aimed to compare the results from different radiobiologcal models. Methods: Ten early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT were retrospectively selected. Five treatment plans were generated to deliver 50 Gy in five fractions to the planning target volume for each case: a helical tomotherapy (HT) plan, two three-dimensional cofnromal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) plans using 6-MV and 10-MV photon beams respectively, and two volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using one and two arc fields respectively. The lung RDV was calculated with three parallel functional sub-unit (FSU) models and two normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models. Results: Both the HT and VMAT plans showed significantly higher contralateral mean lung dose and lower ipsilateral mean lung dose compared to the 3D-CRT plans. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of lung toxicities between the IMRT and 3D-CRT techniques using either the FSU models or the NTCP models. Based on both the FSU and the NTCP models, there was strong correlation between lung toxicity and the mean lung dose in SBRT treatment plans. Conclusions: Based on both the NTCP and parallel FSU models, both IMRT and traditional 3D-CRT delivery techniques could achieve comparable lung sparing inn SBRT treatment of early-stage lung cancer. However, the validity of the radiobiological model results should be checked by clinical data.

Interpretation of specification for breast cancer screening,early diagnosis,and treatment management in Chinese women

Breast cancer has become the most common malignant tumor worldwide.However,the survival rate of breast cancer patients in China is 8%lower compared to that in European and American countries.Insufficient screen-ing coverage and low rate of early detection are key problems.Therefore,it is imperative to develop a set of guidelines for breast cancer screening,early diagnosis,and treatment strategies suitable for Chinese women.The National Health Commission,the National Cancer Center,and the National Cancer Quality Control Center col-lectively organized a committee of specialists with multidisciplinary backgrounds in breast surgery,oncology,radiotherapy,diagnostic imaging,ultrasound,pathology,epidemiology,and health economics.The committee collectively published"China Breast Cancer Screening,Early Diagnosis and Treatment Specification",in which the committee outlined a set of strategies of breast cancer screening,early diagnosis,and treatment suitable for China’s national conditions.The strategies were formulated based on clinical experience in breast cancer preven-tion and treatment,characteristics of breast cancer patients in China,and socioeconomic conditions.The purpose of this article is to provide an interpretation of the above guidelines as a reference for breast cancer screening.

Simultaneous Bilateral Thoracoscopic Pneumonectomy for Early Multiple Primary Lung Cancer Feasibility Analysis

Objective:To analyze the feasibility of simultaneous bilateral thoracoscopic lung resection in the treatment of multiple primary lung cancers in the early stage.Methods:The study time range is between March 2019 and March 2021.A sample of 30 patients with early multiple primary lung cancer admitted to this hospital were included,and they were divided into a study group,a control group,and samples within the group using a random number table scheme n=15,patients in the control group underwent staged bilateral thoracoscopic pneumonectomy,and patients in the study group underwent bilateral thoracoscopic pneumonectomy at the same time.The indicators of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the VAS score,total length of hospital stay,and total surgical costs on the first day after surgery(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the two groups'postoperative recovery indicators and the incidence of complications(P>0.05).Conclusion:It is safe and feasible to treat patients with multiple primary lung cancer in both lungs at the same time with simultaneous bilateral thoracoscopic surgery,and is suitable for promotion.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a risk factor for lung cancer

The association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and lung cancer has long been a subject of intense debate. The high prevalence of COPD in elderly smokers inevitably strengthens their coincidence. In addition to this contingent coincidence, recent studies have revealed a close association between the two diseases that is independent of the smoking history; that is, the existence of COPD is an independent risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Molecular-based evidence has been accumulating as a result of the efforts to explain the underlying mechanisms of this association. These mechanisms may include the following: the retention of airborne carcinogens followed by the activation of oncogenes and the suppression of tumor suppressor genes; the complex molecular mechanism associated with chronic inflammation in the distal airways of patients with COPD; the possible in-volvement of putative distal airway stem cells; and gel netic factors that are common to both COPD and lung cancer. The existence of COPD in patients with lung l cancer may potentially affect the process of diagnosis, surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and end-of-life care. The comprehensive management of COPD is extremely important for the appropriate treatment of lung cancer. Surgical resections with the aid of early interventions for COPD are often possible, even for patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. New challenges, such as lung cancer CT screening for individuals t at high risk, are now in the process of being implemented. Evaluating the risk of lung cancer in patients with COPD may be warranted in community-based lung cancer screening.