The research team reviewed 21 studies to determine the diagnostic accuracy of chest X-rays, the recommended method for investigating symptoms of lung cancer. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched and a grey literature search was also performed.
The researchers were able to conclude from these that X-ray sensitivity for detecting lung cancer was between 77% and 80%.
The British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends clinicians order an X-ray in the first instance if they suspect a patient has lung cancer, but the study authors suggest computed tomography (CT) scans should be the first port of call.
