Patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening: Results from the 2012/2013 Kansas Adult Tobacco Survey

Prior to the 2013 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, the American Cancer Society released interim guidance recommending physicians discuss lung cancer screening with high risk patients. We included a question on patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening on a statewide population-based survey to establish baseline prevalence for surveillance and to identify subpopulation disparities.

We analyzed the 2012/2013 Kansas Adult Tobacco Survey to assess patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening. Weighted prevalence estimates and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to examine characteristics associated with discussing screening.

The prevalence of patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening among current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 years was 31.0% (95% CI 27.0-35.0). The adjusted prevalence odds of having these discussions was higher among males, adults aged 65 to 74 years, adults living with a disability, as well as those who saw a health professional in the past year and had their smoking status assessed or were advised to quit.

The current study is unique as it is the first to assess patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening using a statewide survey. These results may inform strategies to increase patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening among high risk Kansans.