An actuarial cost-benefit analysis found that implementing low-dose CT (LDCT) recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is cost effective for detection of lung cancer in high-risk Medicare beneficiaries, with a cost per life-year saved lower than screening for cervical and breast cancers.

The study, conducted by the actuarial firm Milliman and published in the August issue of American Health and Drug Benefits, found that 4.9 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 55-80 would be eligible for screening in 2014. It estimated that LDCT plus follow-up diagnostics would cost approximately $1 per insured member per month, and the cost per life-year saved would be less than $19,000, which is comparable to colorectal cancer screening.

In a joint statement, representatives from the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the American College of Radiology, the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance and Society of Thoracic Surgeons celebrated the findings and argued that Medicare coverage would help expand used of LDCT.

“This analysis completes the enormous body of evidence which demonstrates that lung cancer screening of high-risk Medicare beneficiaries is not only life-saving but more cost-effective than other cancer screening protocols currently covered by Medicare,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and CEO of LCA.