American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of screening for lung cancer in certain demographics?

1. To determine treatment plans

2. To identify early stage cancer for better outcomes

3. To eliminate the risk of lung cancer

4. To provide general health monitoring

The correct answer is: To identify early stage cancer for better outcomes

The primary purpose of screening for lung cancer in certain demographics is to identify early-stage cancer for better outcomes. Early detection of lung cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved survival rates. Lung cancer, particularly in its earlier stages, often has no symptoms, making routine screening essential for high-risk populations, such as long-term smokers or individuals with a strong family history of the disease. When lung cancer is detected early, there are more treatment options available, including potentially curative surgical interventions, which can lead to better prognoses. Screening methods, such as low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), have been shown to reduce mortality rates from lung cancer in high-risk groups, highlighting the effectiveness of early identification in improving health outcomes. While other options may address related aspects of lung cancer management and care, they do not capture the primary intent of screening programs, which is to facilitate early diagnosis and improve patient survival rates.