Figure 1.

Risk-to-benefit (log units) histograms in men and women for three (10%, 20% and 30%) estimated mortality reduction from LDCT screening (A) and stratified by age of participants in case of 20% estimated mortality reduction (B). A multi-detector scanner and the four annual LDCT screening rounds performed in the ITALUNG study are considered. The lowest risk-benefit ratio, namely the maximal benefit from screening, is observed for male current smokers undergoing LDCT screening in the 65–69 years of age. The highest risk-benefit ratio, namely the maximal harm from screening, which however remains below one indicating that harm exceeds benefit, is observed for female never smokers undergoing LDCT screening in the 55–59 years of age. The risk-benefit ratio is intermediate for ex-smokers. Modified from Mascalchi et al. (9). LDCT, low dose computed tomography.