Lung cancer is notoriously known as the "Silent Killer" due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages. A recent extensive analysis by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the National Cancer Center has clearly quantified the reality of this threat:
81.8% of lung cancer risk is directly attributable to smoking.
We have verified the "cause" with data. The pressing question now is:
"How accurately and efficiently can we identify and manage this proven high-risk group?"
The Message from Big Data: "Do Not Ignore Predictable Risks"
This finding is not based on simple surveys but on a verified prediction model tracking long-term data of male patients aged 30 to 80.
The data confirms that variables such as
smoking intensity, duration, and starting age account for the overwhelming majority (81.8%) of the risk. Notably, for aggressive cancer types like
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and
Squamous Cell Carcinoma, the correlation is even stronger. This indicates that for high-risk smokers,
regular imaging screening is not just a choice—it is a prerequisite for survival.
The Paradigm Shift in Screening
Aligned with this data, the global lung cancer screening market is undergoing a rapid transformation. The focus is shifting from merely checking for "lung cancer presence" to
"Expanding Screening Scope" and
"Integrated Thoracic Health Management."
- Expansion of Guidelines: Major global bodies, including the USPSTF (USA) and European nations, are broadening screening criteria by lowering age limits and reducing pack-year requirements. Notably, Germany officially announced its national lung cancer screening program in July 2024, with implementation set to begin in April 2026. These changes imply an explosive increase in the volume of image data that radiology departments must process.
- Rise of Multi-Morbidity Screening: Smoking is a shared risk factor not only for lung cancer but also for COPD and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Consequently, the industry standard is moving towards a "One-Stop Screening" strategy—analyzing concurrent comorbidities from a single CT scan to "kill three birds with one stone."
In this macro-environment, adopting AI solutions capable of handling massive datasets and analyzing multiple conditions simultaneously has become an industrial necessity.
LDCT as the Standard, AI as the Partner
Low-Dose CT (LDCT) has become the global gold standard for lung cancer screening. However, the surge in screening volume has led to a significant increase in workload for radiologists, raising concerns about fatigue and efficiency.
This is where
AI software serves as an excellent partner for medical professionals. By automating repetitive analysis tasks, AI allows radiologists to focus more on complex clinical decision-making.
AI: An Analytical Partner for Precision Medicine
Coreline Soft’s AI solution (AVIEW LCS) supports radiologists in large-scale screening environments through the following key capabilities:
- Detection Support: AI assists in detecting minute nodules obscured by blood vessels, ribs, or other organs. By acting as a "second reader" and highlighting these potential lesions, it helps improve diagnostic accuracy and reduces the risk of oversight.
- Quantitative Analysis: The software automatically measures the diameter, volume, and density of nodules. It provides reporting support based on Lung-RADS guidelines, offering radiologists objective, quantitative data needed to assess the risk level accurately.
- Concurrent Analysis: Utilizing the same chest CT scan taken for lung cancer screening, the AI analyzes comorbidities highly correlated with smoking. It calculates metrics such as the emphysema index for COPD and Agatston scores for Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC), assisting radiologists in comprehensive patient management.
From Proof to Implementation
The evidence is clear. The fact that smoking is the primary driver of lung cancer has been reaffirmed by the 81.8% figure.
It is time to move from 'Debate' to 'Implementation.' We must expand screening accessibility for high-risk groups and integrate
AI software into these systems to assist medical professionals and elevate screening quality.
Early detection is the key to survival. Coreline Soft is committed to transforming this "proven risk" into "
manageable safety" through our technology.
Discover the most effective way to manage the proven 81.8% risk.
See how Coreline Soft’s AI solution can be seamlessly integrated into your clinical workflow. Inquire about AVIEW LCS >>
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