USPSTF Reaffirms Its Recommendation Against Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Despite a 2016 recommendation against screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the USPSTF recognizes the substantial morbidity and mortality burdens of COPD (particularly in women and minority patients). The Task Force now has revisited this issue to determine if any new evidence would support a change in its 2016 D recommendation (NEJM JW Gen Med May 15 2016 and JAMA 2016; 315:1372). The target population of this recommendation is asymptomatic adults who do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms, such as a chronic cough, sputum production, or difficulty breathing. The recommendation does not apply to patients at especially high risk for …