1. An automated method for analysis of image features in lung nodule detection in a chest radiographic image represented by digital data, comprising: preprocessing said image to identify at least one candidate nodule in said image; establishing a region of interest (ROI) including the candidate nodule identified in said preprocessing step; performing image enhancement of said candidate nodule within said ROI; obtaining a histogram of accumulated edge gradients as a function of radial angles within said ROI after performing said image enhancement; and determining whether said candidate nodule is a false positive based on the obtained histogram, comprising determining at least one evaluation factor, including determining the maximum histogram value in a predetermined range near the radial axis and eliminating said candidate nodule from consideration as a nodule if the determined maximum histogram value is less than a predetermined value.