Norman Ng, Director of Patient Advocacy and Public Affairs at Healthcare Thinkers, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Dr. Herbert Loong and his international research team have published a landmark cost-effectiveness study on lung cancer screening (LCS) in Hong Kong. Unlike Western countries, nearly half of lung cancer patients in Hong Kong are non-smokers, highlighting the need for broader screening criteria.
Using local epidemiological and cost data, the study evaluated low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for two high-risk groups:
- Individuals with a history of heavy smoking
- Individuals with other risk factors (e.g., family history, passive smoking, poor ventilation during cooking)
Key Findings:
- LDCT screening is cost-effective for both groups, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of US$14,122/QALY (smokers) and US$9,610/QALY (non-smokers)
- Screening leads to earlier detection, reduced mortality, and better quality-adjusted life years
- Supports population-wide screening beyond smoking history
This study provides strong evidence to support Hong Kong’s policy direction to enhance cancer screening technologies, including AI-aided lung cancer screening. It also sets a precedent for East Asian regions with similar lung cancer profiles.”
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