Lung Cancer Screening Overlooked Among High-Risk Individuals, Study Finds

Despite being the deadliest cancer in the United States, lung cancer has a potentially lifesaving screening available to millions of at-risk Americans. So, why are so few getting screened?

To investigate this issue, a group of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center, including Kalyani Sonawane, Ph.D. and others, recently analyzed data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey. Their research was published in JAMA Network Open and revealed a concerning gap in awareness of lung cancer screening among high-risk individuals. Lung cancer screening typically involves a low-radiation CT scan.

Gerard Silvestri, M.D.

“This study showed a profound lack of awareness of the fact that lung cancer screening, a lifesaving screening service, exists,” Gerard Silvestri, M.D., senior author of the study and Hillenbrand Professor of Thoracic Oncology at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, told Managed Healthcare Executive. “Less than 20% of those surveyed who either currently or formerly smoked were aware that the service existed or had a physician who had discussed it with them.”

Among 929 former smokers, 18.1% had never heard of lung cancer screening, and 75.1% reported never discussing it with a clinician. Similarly, among 350 current smokers, 13.5% were unaware of lung cancer screening, and 71.1% had not spoken about it with their healthcare providers.

Across all sociodemographic and clinical subgroups, more than 80% of participants, regardless of factors like age, income, or geographic location, had neither heard of lung cancer screening nor discussed it with their healthcare provider. Even among those with a history of cancer or lung disease, more than 60% reported no discussions about lung cancer screening with their clinicians.

“This may help explain why the national uptake of lung cancer screening is between 10% and 15% among those eligible as opposed to more than 70% of Americans who are compliant with breast and colorectal cancer screenings,” Silvestri said. He emphasized that enhancing awareness of lung cancer screening could help improve early detection and potentially save lives.

The findings suggest that targeted interventions at both the clinic and community levels could help bridge the communication gap, facilitating informed decision-making for eligible patients.

While the study was limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, the findings align with a recent American Lung Association survey indicating widespread gaps in patient-provider discussions about lung cancer risk and screening.

As the burden of lung cancer remains high, this research highlights an opportunity for managed healthcare professionals to play a pivotal role in addressing these gaps and promoting lung cancer screening to eligible patients.