DANIEL JOSEPH BOFFA, M.D.

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This study looked at patients with pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer, to see if surgery helps them live longer compared to those who only received chemotherapy. Among nearly 22,000 patients, 2045 (about 9.4%) survived at least 5 years after diagnosis. Remarkably, more than 16% of patients who chose not to have surgery and only received chemotherapy also lived for at least 5 years, showing that surgery isn’t necessary for everyone to achieve long-term survival. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with mesothelioma and their doctors by highlighting that some may do just as well with chemotherapy alone.

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This study looked at the effects of removing the thymus gland in adults who had a specific type of tumor called thymoma. Researchers found that the survival rate for patients who had their thymus removed was about 93%, which is similar to people in the general population and those who had surgeries for other types of cancer. Additionally, deaths from other cancers after thymus removal were very low, at just 4.2 per 1,000 person-years, indicating that thymectomy does not increase the risk of dying from cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing thymus removal and their doctors, as it shows the procedure is safe in terms of long-term survival and cancer risk.

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This report highlights cancer statistics for 2022 from a large database, focusing on three types of cancer: esophageal, melanoma, and prostate. It found that nearly half of esophageal cancer patients were diagnosed at a late Stage IV, with only about 30% receiving surgery; for melanoma, most cases were early-stage, and the most common type was superficial spreading melanoma; and for prostate cancer, most men were diagnosed at Stage II, with the majority not undergoing surgery. Understanding these trends helps improve treatment approaches and increase awareness about when patients should seek care. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This study examined how the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) affected the survival of women with breast cancer. Researchers found that among over 2 million patients, those who only used CAM had a much higher risk of dying—3.67 times more likely—compared to those who received traditional medical treatments. Even patients who combined CAM with traditional therapies had a higher risk of death and were less likely to receive standard treatments like endocrine therapy or radiation. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer understand the risks of using CAM instead of traditional treatments.

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This study reviewed the National Cancer Database (NCDB), which tracks 73.7% of new cancer cases in the U.S., and examined updates made over the past decade to improve its usefulness for cancer research. Key changes include faster access to survival data, new data on COVID-19's impact (noting a 12.4% drop in cancer cases in 2020), and more detailed information on various cancer characteristics. These updates help researchers analyze cancer trends and outcomes more effectively, ensuring they have the latest and most relevant information. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals working to improve cancer treatment and outcomes.

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This study looked at how well surgical trainees in the U.S. understand the Commission on Cancer's (CoC) guidelines for cancer surgeries. Only 30% of trainees knew about these guidelines, while 68% of more advanced trainees (fellows) were familiar with them. This lack of knowledge shows that there needs to be better education on these important standards in training programs, which can help improve the quality of cancer surgery and patient care. Who this helps: This helps surgical trainees and ultimately cancer patients by ensuring surgeries are performed to high standards.

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The Commission on Cancer created six new rules to make cancer surgery more consistent and standardized across hospitals. Inspectors who visit these hospitals to check compliance found that the rules are working well, but success depends on whether hospital leaders support them, departments communicate effectively, and there are enough staff and resources—and whether surgeons are willing to follow them. To make these standards actually stick, hospitals need strong leadership backing them up and need to get surgeons on board, while inspectors should officially take on a mentoring role to help hospitals improve rather than just checking boxes.

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This study examined how effective surgical and endoscopic treatments are for early-stage esophageal cancer, specifically T1b, where the cancer has invaded a layer of tissue underneath the surface. Researchers looked at 1,469 patients and found that those who had surgery (esophagectomy) had higher survival rates, with 68.4% alive after five years, compared to 59.7% for those treated endoscopically. However, patients with smaller or less aggressive tumors did just as well with endoscopic treatment, which is less invasive. Who this helps: This benefits patients with early-stage esophageal cancer by providing options for treatment based on tumor characteristics.

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This study looked at what treatment methods are used for patients with a specific type of lung cancer (EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer) after their first treatment with osimertinib stops working. Researchers found that patients who continued taking osimertinib while also receiving chemotherapy lived longer without their cancer worsening (about 10.1 months compared to 5.9 months for those who didn't continue with osimertinib) and had better overall survival (17.0 months versus 12.8 months). This is important because it highlights a potentially better treatment strategy for patients whose initial therapy has failed. Who this helps: This benefits lung cancer patients and their doctors by providing clearer treatment options after first-line therapy.

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This study looked at how complete and accurate the information is about cancer recurrences in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2021. It found that the percentage of missing data decreased significantly for various cancers: breast cancer missing data went from 15.7% to 8.4%, colon from 19.8% to 9.3%, and lung from 20.5% to 7.4%. However, issues like poor doctor documentation still affect data quality, which can complicate research efforts. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and cancer patients as better data leads to improved treatment options and outcomes.

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This study examined the outcomes of two types of lung surgery—lobectomy and sublobar resection—for patients with small, early-stage lung cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 patients and found that those who had sublobar resections typically had fewer lymph nodes removed (average of 5.5 compared to 12.8 for lobectomies) and had similar survival rates if enough lymph nodes were evaluated. This matters because it suggests that sublobar resection can be a viable option for older or less healthy patients, as long as the lymph nodes are properly assessed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with early-stage lung cancer, especially older adults or those with other health issues.

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This study examined how cigarette smoke affects a specific molecule called microRNA-1 (miR-1) in the lungs related to cancer growth. Researchers found that higher smoking levels are linked to lower miR-1 levels in lung tumors, with a strong relationship between reduced miR-1 and indicators of lung damage. Moreover, cigarette smoke leads to new blood vessel formation in the lungs by lowering miR-1, which could serve as a marker for cancer development. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand the risks of smoking and its impact on lung cancer progression.

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This study looked at how effective recent medical advancements have been for individuals with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the United States between 2010 and 2020. Overall, survival rates improved significantly for patients, with median survival increasing from 6.7 months in 2010-2013 to 10.3 months in 2018-2020, marking a 53.7% increase. However, not all groups benefited equally; Hispanic patients saw an 81% increase in survival, while uninsured patients only had a 24.1% increase, highlighting disparities in treatment access and outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly those from diverse backgrounds and differing insurance statuses.

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This study looked at two ways to measure a patient's health issues—called the Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI)—to see which one better predicts outcomes after two types of minimally invasive lung surgeries. The researchers found that the CCI was better at predicting short-term death rates for one type of surgery (pulmonary lobectomy) with a score of 0.79, compared to 0.76 for the ECI. For another surgery type (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy), both indices performed similarly well, but neither was great at predicting other outcomes like complications or readmissions. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients undergoing thoracic surgery by providing better tools for assessing health risks.

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This study looked at how patients' social needs, like access to food and housing, affect their recovery after major surgery. Out of 1,172 patients, 6.1% reported having at least one health-related social need, and those patients were 1.8 times more likely to have complications within 30 days after surgery. This is important because it highlights that addressing social needs could improve patient outcomes and potentially reduce hospital stays. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing major surgery, especially those with social needs.

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This study looked at how well neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy) works for patients with non-small cell lung cancer before surgery. They found that only 6.2% of patients who received chemoimmunotherapy needed more invasive surgery compared to 10.0% for chemotherapy, and post-surgery deaths for those on chemoimmunotherapy were less than 1.0%, which is significantly lower than the 2.0% for chemotherapy and 3.5% for chemoradiotherapy. These results indicate that using chemoimmunotherapy can provide safer and more effective outcomes for patients before surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer by providing them with a more effective treatment option before surgery.

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The research paper corrects earlier findings on survival rates for patients with advanced lung cancer (Stage IV NSCLC) based on their social and demographic backgrounds. It highlights that certain groups, particularly younger patients and those with higher income levels, are seeing improvement in survival rates; specifically, younger patients have a survival increase of about 20% over the last decade. This matters because it shows how different factors can influence health outcomes, helping to identify where more support may be needed. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand treatment outcomes and inform care strategies.

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Researchers looked at how well hospitals followed new guidelines for checking lymph nodes in lung cancer surgeries. In 2022, 54% of hospitals met the standard, but this dropped to just 232 out of 504 (46%) in 2023 due to stricter requirements. These findings highlight a significant challenge in ensuring that patients receive optimal care, as improving lymph node evaluation can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with lung cancer benefit from better lymph node evaluations during surgery.

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This study looked at how well hospitals are performing sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) for melanoma patients. Researchers found that over 48,000 patients were treated across more than 1,100 hospitals, with an average of 2.4 lymph nodes removed and about 18% testing positive for cancer. The results showed that SLNB procedures are consistent across facilities, but there is still room for improvement, particularly in other related surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits melanoma patients and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at patients with early-stage lung cancer who had few other health issues and compared those who received a type of radiation therapy called SBRT to those who had surgery. Out of nearly 31,000 patients, those who had surgery had a 5-year survival rate of 71% compared to 42% for those treated with SBRT. Although more patients are choosing SBRT, the results show that surgery is more effective for long-term survival. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors by highlighting the most effective treatment options for early-stage lung cancer.

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This study examined the risks associated with bilobectomy (removing two lobes of the lung) compared to other lung surgeries, like lobectomy (removing one lobe) and pneumonectomy (removing an entire lung), in lung cancer patients. Researchers looked at data from over 65,000 patients and found that while bilobectomy had a similar risk of death in the first 30 days post-surgery as left pneumonectomy, it had higher risk compared to standard lobectomy procedures. This information is crucial because it highlights that patients undergoing bilobectomy should be carefully evaluated for the potential risks involved, especially since its higher morbidity rates were noted compared to lobectomy. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung cancer and their doctors in making informed surgical decisions.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected lung cancer screening programs in a healthcare network in the Northeast United States. Before the pandemic, about 77 screenings were done each month, but this number dropped to just 23 in the early months of the pandemic. However, as hospitalizations decreased, screening rates quickly recovered, ending up even higher than expected, with a total growth of 69.6% in 2021. This is important because it shows that the healthcare system was able to bounce back and maintain lung cancer detection during challenging times. Who this helps: This helps patients who need lung cancer screenings, ensuring they receive timely care despite disruptions.

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This study looked at how expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act affected the early death rates of adults undergoing lung cancer surgery. Among nearly 15,000 adults, those in states that expanded Medicaid saw a drop in 30-day post-surgery deaths from 0.97% to 0.26% and 90-day deaths from 2.63% to 1.32%. These changes highlight that expanding Medicaid improves access to care and outcomes for lung cancer patients. Who this helps: This benefits lung cancer patients by providing better surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at different surgical options for treating early-stage lung cancer in healthy patients, specifically comparing lobectomy (removing a larger section of the lung) and sublobar resection (removing a smaller section). Researchers found that both methods had similar short-term outcomes, but sublobar resection showed higher rates of tumor recurrence and no clear benefits for survival in the long term, with a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of only 64% in one study. This research is important as it indicates that while sublobar resection can be an option, doctors need to be careful when choosing this approach and consider the specific characteristics of the tumor and patient. Who this helps: This helps doctors in making informed decisions for treating patients with early-stage lung cancer.

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This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted patients with high-risk gastrointestinal cancers, such as those affecting the esophagus, stomach, liver, or pancreas. Researchers found that new diagnoses sharply dropped during the early months of the pandemic, particularly for less advanced stages of cancer, while diagnoses for advanced stage IV cancers increased. Although the one-year survival rate slightly decreased from 50.7% before the pandemic to 47.4% in 2020, the overall survival rates did not decline significantly, showing that effective cancer care continued despite pandemic challenges. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with high-risk gastrointestinal cancers and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and care during public health crises.

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This study looked at how the Commission on Cancer (CoC) updates its quality measures that help hospitals provide better cancer care. The CoC found that many doctors are not fully aware of the purpose and history of these measures. Over the last four years, they have improved the process for creating, updating, and retiring these measures to ensure hospitals can effectively track and follow best practices in cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by ensuring they receive high-quality care at hospitals.

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This study examined the quality of care for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treated at different types of healthcare facilities, specifically comparing an academic center to community hospitals. Among 499 patients studied, those treated at community hospitals had worse outcomes, with a 11.9% rate of positive surgical margins versus 2.5% at the academic center, and lower chances of receiving enough lymph nodes for assessment (52.8% vs. 85.9%). These findings show that while cancer care quality in the region is generally good, there are significant gaps depending on where patients are treated, indicating a need for improvements in community care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with OSCC who can receive better, more consistent care across different healthcare facilities.

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This study looked at how people’s social and economic situations affect their access to palliative care for advanced cancer. Out of nearly 239,000 patients with Stage IV cancer, about 24% received palliative treatment, which has been shown to improve both quality of life and survival. The study found that palliative care was less likely to be given to people in the western U.S. and to Black and Hispanic patients compared to their White counterparts, which highlights disparities in healthcare access that need to be addressed. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand disparities in palliative care access and outcomes.

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This study examined how well the National Cancer Database (NCDB) follows established guidelines for collecting cancer data from hospitals. The researchers found that the NCDB captured 73.7% of all cancer cases in the U.S., with high levels of compliance in data submission (92.7%) and accuracy (94.2%). These findings matter because they show that the NCDB is reliable and thorough, which is crucial for making informed decisions about cancer treatment and research. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers who rely on accurate cancer data for better care and policy decisions.

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This study looked at how safe and effective it is to perform surgery on patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have undergone immunotherapy, particularly after showing limited disease progression. Out of over 934,000 patients, 164 had surgery more than five months after starting immunotherapy, with 89% successfully having all cancer removed and 23% showing no remaining cancer cells. The approach showed a low hospital stay of just four days, a 5% chance of needing to return to the hospital within 30 days, and very few deaths shortly after surgery, suggesting that this could be a strong option for certain patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-small cell lung cancer who experience limited disease progression after immunotherapy.

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This study looked at whether excluding patients with a history of cancer from clinical trials affects the treatment results for those with advanced lung cancer. Researchers found that adding immunotherapy to standard treatments improved survival rates in patients with or without a prior cancer history; specifically, survival rates were better by 35% for stage III and 22% for stage IV cancer patients with a prior cancer. Including cancer survivors in clinical trials is crucial for developing tailored treatment plans that truly reflect real-world scenarios. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, especially those with a history of previous cancers, seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how certain surgical standards set by the American College of Surgeons can affect outcomes for women with breast cancer undergoing specific types of surgery to check their lymph nodes. The research analyzed data from over 1.2 million women and found that while facilities showed different results—like an average of 2.6 lymph nodes removed during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and a positivity rate of 12.2%—the improvements in patient outcomes were not consistent across the board. Better understanding and following these standards may help reduce variations in surgical results and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with breast cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how cancer data collected by the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Researchers found that the number of cancer cases dropped by 14.4%, with 1,223,221 cases reported compared to previous years, and there was a significant shift towards more late-stage cancer diagnoses instead of early-stage ones. This is important because it shows that the pandemic disrupted cancer care, leading to fewer early detections, which can impact survival rates and treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand the changes in cancer diagnosis and care during the pandemic.

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This study looked at whether adding induction chemotherapy before the main treatment (chemoradiotherapy) would help patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer live longer or have fewer complications. Researchers found no significant differences in survival times: patients who received both types of treatment lived a median of 39 months, while those who only had chemoradiotherapy lived 56.5 months. Overall, the study showed that adding induction chemotherapy did not lead to better outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and patients deciding on treatment options for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

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This study focused on creating a new model to better understand how tumors interact with the immune system in individual patients with solid tumors. Researchers found that using patients' own bone marrow cells to create mouse models allowed the tumors to grow and behave much like they do in real human tumors, showing significant immune involvement. Specifically, tumors in these models grew larger than those in standard models, and certain immune cells were linked to increased tumor growth; blocking a specific protein (VEGF-A) reduced this growth. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors by improving how treatments are tested and developed tailored to individual tumors.

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This study looked at how exposure to wildfires after lung cancer surgery affects patients' long-term survival. Out of nearly 467,000 patients, those who encountered wildfires shortly after surgery had a higher risk of dying: a 43% increased risk if exposed within the first three months, a 39% increase from four to six months, and a 17% increase from seven to twelve months. This matters because it highlights that lung cancer patients recovering from surgery are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of wildfires, emphasizing the need for protective measures during wildfire seasons. Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients recovering from surgery.

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This study looked at how often surgery is included in cancer clinical trials in the United States from 2012 to 2022. Out of nearly 12,000 cancer trials, about 1,900 (15.7%) involved surgery, showing a 43.2% increase in surgical trials over the past decade. The research highlights that while more trials are focusing on surgery and diagnostics, the number of trials combining surgery with other treatments has decreased, indicating a shift towards less invasive techniques and targeted therapies. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cancer treatment and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare case of a 70-year-old man who developed a serious type of esophagus cancer, known as adenocarcinoma, just 11 months after having a weight loss surgery called sleeve gastrectomy. After the surgery, his weight improved significantly, dropping from a BMI of 46 to 30.5, but he later experienced severe symptoms leading to the discovery of the cancer, which was aggressive and needed extensive treatment. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and patients considering sleeve gastrectomy, as it highlights potential, though rare, risks after surgery.

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This study looked at how patients with esophageal cancer receive treatment, comparing care from a single hospital to treatment provided through a network of multiple hospitals. Out of nearly 8,400 patients, those in the collaborative model had a little less access to recommended chemotherapy and radiation, but they were more likely to show a complete response to treatment. Overall survival rates at 90 days and five years were similar between the two groups, at 92.9% and 42.6%, respectively. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients and healthcare providers involved in esophageal cancer treatment planning, as it shows that a collaborative approach can maintain treatment quality while easing travel burdens for patients.

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This research looked at how cancer treatment changed in the United States during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that about 1,074,225 patients were treated for cancer in 2020, which was 16.8% fewer than expected. Although patients had similar access to treatments as in previous years, there was a notable drop in the number of surgeries, with 146,805 fewer than expected, especially at academic hospitals. Who this helps: This information benefits cancer patients and doctors by highlighting the impact of the pandemic on cancer care and treatment accessibility.

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This study looked at how easily cancer patients could access telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that while 97.1% of the 312 cancer hospitals surveyed offered telehealth for at least one type of cancer, new patients had less access (72%) compared to established patients (97.1%). Access varied more significantly for different cancers, with breast cancer patients having more telehealth options (85%) than those with skin cancer (74%). Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, especially those seeking care for newly diagnosed conditions.

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Researchers studied the rise in the number of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and semisolid lung lesions (SSLs) found in chest CT scans over nine years. They found that the percentage of CT scans showing these lesions grew from 5.9% in 2013 to 9.2% in 2022, with nearly 2,020 reported in 2022 alone. This increase suggests a greater number of patients may need further testing and consultations, highlighting the need for better ways to identify which lesions are truly problematic. Who this helps: Patients undergoing chest CT scans and their healthcare providers.