Association between lung cancer screening and smoking cessation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Smoking Cessation Research

Background:

• Annual lung cancer screening benefits adults with high-risk smoking histories.
• The association between lung cancer screening and smoking cessation in U.S. adults is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between lung cancer screening and smoking cessation among U.S. adults eligible for screening.

Main Methods:

• Population-based cross-sectional study using 2017-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.
• Defined eligible individuals as adults aged 55-80 with ≥30 pack-year history, current smokers or quit within 15 years.
• Assessed association between lung cancer screening receipt and current smoking status/cessation attempts.

Main Results:

• 12,382 eligible participants were analyzed; 16.3% received lung cancer screening.
• Lung cancer screening was associated with a lower likelihood of current smoking (OR 0.705).
• Screening was associated with a higher likelihood of a prior year cessation attempt (OR 1.562).

Conclusions:

• Lung cancer screening receipt correlates with reduced smoking rates and increased cessation attempts in U.S. adults.
• Enhanced implementation of lung cancer screening programs is crucial for increasing smoking cessation in high-risk populations.