Engaging At-Risk Rural Residents in Secondary Lung Cancer Prevention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Rural populations face higher lung cancer risks and mortality.
• Limited research exists on rural perspectives regarding cancer prevention, including tobacco cessation and lung cancer screening.
• Disengagement from healthcare systems is common among rural adults with tobacco use history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore rural adults' attitudes and beliefs about lung cancer risk.
• To understand awareness and perceptions of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer.
• To examine factors influencing patient-provider relationships in rural healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 6 focus groups with 50 rural Maine residents at risk for lung cancer.
• Utilized semistructured interviews to explore knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes.
• Applied inductive qualitative analysis to identify key themes from interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Participants recognized their elevated lung cancer risk but had low awareness of LDCT screening.
• Most participants were willing to undergo LDCT screening, though some expressed fear and fatalism.
• Positive patient-provider relationship factors include attentive listening, respect, non-judgmental attitudes, and empathy.

Conclusions:

• Rural residents at risk for lung cancer show limited knowledge and ambivalence towards LDCT screening.
• Provider behaviors emphasizing respect, empathy, and individualized care can enhance patient-provider relationships and healthcare engagement.
• Further research is needed to optimize collaboration between rural residents and healthcare providers for lung cancer risk reduction.