Lung cancer (LC) kills more people than any other cancer in Hungary. Hence, there
is a clear rationale for considering a national screening program. The HUNCHEST pilot
program primarily aimed to investigate the feasibility of a population-based LC screening
in Hungary, and determine the incidence and LC probability of solitary pulmonary nodules.A
total of 1890 participants were assigned to undergo low-dose CT (LDCT) screening,
with intervals of 1 year between procedures. Depending on the volume, growth, and
volume doubling time (VDT), screenings were defined as negative, indeterminate, or
positive. Non-calcified lung nodules with a volume > 500 mm3 and/or a VDT < 400 days
were considered positive. LC diagnosis was based on histology.At baseline, the percentage
of negative, indeterminate, and positive tests was 81.2%, 15.1%, and 3.7%, respectively.
The frequency of positive and indeterminate LDCT results was significantly higher
in current smokers (vs. non-smokers or former smokers; p < 0.0001) and in individuals
with COPD (vs. those without COPD, p < 0.001). In the first screening round, 1.2%
(n = 23) of the participants had a malignant lesion, whereas altogether 1.5% (n =
29) of the individuals were diagnosed with LC. The overall positive predictive value
of the positive tests was 31.6%. Most lung malignancies were diagnosed at an early
stage (86.2% of all cases).In terms of key characteristics, our prospective cohort
study appears consistent to that of comparable studies. Altogether, the results of
the HUNCHEST pilot program suggest that LDCT screening may facilitate early diagnosis
and thus curative-intent treatment in LC.• The HUNCHEST pilot study is the first nationwide
low-dose CT screening program in Hungary. • In the first screening round, 1.2% of
the participants had a malignant lesion, whereas altogether 1.5% of the individuals
were diagnosed with lung cancer. • The overall positive predictive value of the positive
tests in the HUNCHEST screening program was 31.6%.
