Lung screening

New research shows CT scans of the lungs could help lower the risk of death among smokers.

A large study from the National Cancer Institute included more than 50,000 smokers, including heavy smokers who had no symptoms of lung disease.

Participants underwent spiral CT scans or a standard chest x-ray annually for three years.

Researchers found nearly a quarter of the CT scans came back positive, as well as 7% of the chest x-rays.

Overall, CT scans lowered the risk of death among smokers and former smokers by 20%.