Features of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as Predictors of Lung Cancer.

The degree of COPD severity, including airflow obstruction, visual emphysema and respiratory exacerbations are independently predictive of lung cancer. These risk factors should be further studied as inclusion and exclusion criteria for the survival benefit of lung cancer screening. Studies are needed to determine if reduction in respiratory exacerbations among smokers can reduce lung cancer risk.