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Despite curative-intent resection, recurrence in early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurs in 20% to 50% of patients within 5 years. Computed tomography (CT) surveillance is a routine component of postoperative care, with the hope that earlier detection and treatment will lead to better outcomes for patients with recurrence. However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential harms, such as anxiety, unnecessary procedures, and healthcare costs, of surveilling too frequently.
Using data from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration, researchers reviewed medical records of nearly 6,200 patients with stage 1 NSCLC who underwent surgical intervention from 2006 to 2016. Average age was 67.5 years, and most were male (96%), cu…