摘要

Authors' objectives: According to the most recent figures, nearly 8900 new lung cancers are diagnosed every year in Belgium, and about 5850 patients die from the disease. As the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women, lung cancer has a significant impact on the health care system and on society as a whole. In individuals with an increased risk profile, it can be detected – and, hence, treated – at an early stage through medical imaging with a low-dose CT scan. This screening greatly improves prognosis and makes it possible to avoid more severe, less effective treatments. However, as with any screening programme, there are also potential drawbacks, such as false-positive results and overdiagnosis. This study aims to investigate the added value of a potential screening programme for lung cancer in Belgium. This Health Technology Assessment (HTA) will allow us to weigh its benefits against its drawbacks. Specifically, we will evaluate: - Effectiveness and safety - Economic aspects, in terms of cost-effectiveness and budget impact Ethical and organisational aspects of a potential lung cancer screening programme will also be discussed