Estimating Eligibility for Lung Cancer Screening by Neighborhood in Philadelphia Using Previous and Current USPSTF...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Radiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated low-dose computed tomography's benefit for early lung cancer detection.
• Recent US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revisions expanded lung cancer screening (LCS) eligibility, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate lung cancer screening (LCS) eligibility within Philadelphia neighborhoods using prior and current USPSTF guidelines.
• To identify geographic areas with the highest number of individuals eligible for LCS in Philadelphia.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Public Health Management Corporation's Household Health Survey data (2010, 2012, 2015) to count ever-smokers by Philadelphia neighborhood.
• Applied eligibility percentages from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Cancer Supplement to neighborhood data.
• Calculated estimated LCS-eligible populations based on previous and current USPSTF criteria.

Main Results:

• The number of eligible individuals for lung cancer screening (LCS) in Philadelphia surged from 41,946 to 89,231 under the revised USPSTF guidelines.
• All Philadelphia neighborhoods saw increased LCS eligibility, with the most significant rise in the River Wards planning district.

Conclusions:

• The updated USPSTF recommendations substantially broadened LCS eligibility across Philadelphia.
• Results can guide local providers in prioritizing LCS resources for neighborhoods with the highest eligible populations.