Barriers to Completing Low Dose Computed Tomography Scan for Lung Cancer Screening

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals.
• Early detection through LDCT is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Lung cancer screening (LCS) eligibility criteria aim to identify individuals most likely to benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess barriers to completing LDCT in eligible patients.
• To understand patient knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding LCS.
• To identify factors associated with LDCT completion.

Main Methods:

• Single institution, mixed-methods, cross-sectional study.
• Phone surveys conducted with patients who did not complete LDCT.
• Analysis of patient demographics and clinical factors related to LDCT completion.

Main Results:

• 87% of eligible patients completed LDCT; 13% did not.
• Positive predictors of completion included meeting USPSTF guidelines, being married, former smoking status, and family history of lung cancer.
• Only 7% of surveyed patients perceived themselves as high-risk, and 10% intended to reschedule.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge barriers, misperceptions, and patient disinterest impede LDCT completion.
• Shared decision-making visits do not fully address patient understanding of lung cancer risk.
• Interventions are needed to overcome barriers and improve LCS adherence.