Dear Colleagues,

The Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA) has decided to introduce early detection for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for smokers. This lung cancer screening will start on April 1, 2026.

We would like to inspire you with this topic and work with you to establish this early detection program in our region.

Our Thoraxzentrum Ruhrgebiet, as an institution specializing in the examination and treatment of lung cancer, has carefully prepared for this date. The screening will be offered throughout the Ruhrgebiet in cooperation with our radiological network partner EVIDIA, which provides all necessary qualifications and technical conditions at all locations.

Benefits of Lung Cancer Early Detection (using Low-Dose CT)

Based on the systematic literature review by IQWIG, a meta-analysis of eight studies (RCTs) on the effect of LDCT lung cancer early detection was conducted. The relative reduction in lung cancer mortality through screening with LDCT was 20% compared to no screening.

This benefit must be weighed against the associated health impairments, particularly the radiation risks in LDCT lung screening. Annual LDCT screening of (ex-)smokers aged between 50 and 75 years is estimated to be associated with a radiation-induced cancer risk of 0.25% for women and 0.1% for men of developing cancer within their remaining lifespan.

If the determined lung cancer mortality reduction of approximately 20% is compared with the radiation risk, the benefit-risk ratio for this screening scenario is about 10 avoided lung cancer deaths per additional cancer death for women and about 25 for men.

What is the process, and what role can you play as general practitioners?

Patients are channeled into the screening by you, as resident general practitioners or internists, referring suitable patients to a qualified radiologist.

Who is eligible for the service?

Insured persons who have reached their 50th but not yet their 76th birthday, with a cigarette consumption of at least 15 “pack-years” (number of cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years of smoking) – active or former – are generally entitled to services within the framework of lung cancer early detection in contractual medical care every 12 months.

CT Thorax Pre-examinations

If, within the last 12 months at the time of the planned early detection examination using low-dose computed tomography, a lung examination by computed tomography was already performed for other reasons, and this previous image is qualitatively suitable for assessment with regard to lung carcinoma, the entitlement to services under this section exists at the earliest 12 months after the performance of this computed tomography.

What requirements must be met?

Physicians should also advise and inform persons eligible for screening about the screening procedure using patient information from the G-BA.

A prerequisite is appropriate qualification of the physicians through participation in a continuing education event.

The continuing education must be recognized and consist of the following course content:

• Fundamentals and Organization of Lung Cancer Early Detection Examination
• Measures for Addressing Insured Persons and Checking Eligibility Requirements
• Basic Knowledge of the Potential Benefits and Harms of Lung Cancer Early Detection Examination
• Knowledge of Lung-RADS Classification for Low-Dose Computed Tomography Findings
• Further Procedure and Communication of Findings

Do you have any questions?

Please feel free to call us.

02323-4989-2212

Sincerely,

Your

Prof. Dr. med. Santiago Ewig PD Dr. med. Daniel C. Christoph Dr. med. Erich Hecker, FCCP, FEBTS