COPD detection in lung cancer screening programmes: “hitting two birds with one stone”

Lung cancer and COPD are highly prevalent smoking-related conditions associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of these two diseases is strongly associated with the presence of symptoms, which usually makes the diagnosis of lung cancer occur at late, non-curative stages [2], and diagnosis of COPD occur at an older age and advanced dysfunctional condition [3]. Although tobacco smoking is the most important and most studied risk factor for both diseases, the presence of COPD has also been identified as an independent risk factor for lung cancer development [4–7]. Performing a “lung health check” could help tackle COPD and lung cancer at an earlier stage