Inadequate Uptake of USPSTF-Recommended Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Steven Sorscher1

  • 1Biotheranostics, Inc/A Hologic Company, San Diego, CA, USA.

Insights

Lung cancer screening (LCS) is underutilized, especially in high-risk groups, and shows disparities. Improving knowledge and addressing barriers are key to increasing screening rates for eligible individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Primary care
  • Public health
  • Preventive medicine

Background:

  • Lung cancer screening (LCS) is recommended for high-risk individuals.
  • Current LCS utilization is suboptimal, with significant disparities among eligible populations.
  • Understanding barriers to LCS is crucial for improving uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on lung cancer screening (LCS).
  • To explore clinician and patient knowledge regarding LCS rationale.
  • To identify strategies for increasing LCS uptake and reducing disparities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of 2023 studies from the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health.
  • Analysis of recent reports on lung cancer screening (LCS).
  • Discussion of USPSTF recommendations, provider barriers, patient perspectives, and shared decision-making (SDM).

Main Results:

  • Significant underutilization of LCS noted, particularly in specific high-risk populations.
  • Persistent disparities in LCS access and utilization across different demographic groups.
  • Barriers exist for primary care providers and eligible individuals regarding LCS.

Conclusions:

  • Improving knowledge of LCS rationale among clinicians and patients is essential.
  • Addressing provider and patient barriers, alongside promoting shared decision-making (SDM), can enhance LCS rates.
  • Strategies are needed to ensure equitable access to LCS for all eligible individuals.