Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening With Low-Dose Computed Tomography

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Oncology

Background:

• Lung cancer screening guidelines and insurance coverage exist.
• Uptake of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening remains suboptimal in the US eligible population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to lung cancer screening.
• To explore individual and health-system factors influencing screening rates.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases.
• 10 articles were reviewed after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria and evaluating methodological rigor.

Main Results:

• Individual-level barriers include sociodemographics, cost, knowledge gaps, inaccurate beliefs, distrust, stigma, negative attitudes, and inconvenience.
• Health-system barriers include lack of provider information and communication.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming identified barriers at both individual and health-system levels is essential.
• Increasing lung cancer screening uptake requires a multi-faceted approach addressing these barriers.