Disparities in Lung Cancer Screening in Hispanic Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Effective cancer screening is essential for early detection and improved survival outcomes. Cancer is a leading cause of death for Hispanics/Latinx, who represent the largest minority group in the U.S. Despite lower tobacco use, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic/Latinx men and the second leading cause in women. Late-stage diagnoses, due to limited screening opportunities, contribute to poor survival rates. Cancer survivors, especially those previously diagnosed with head and neck cancer, face a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. Approximately one-fourth of head and neck cancer survivors die from a second malignancy, with lung cancer accounting for over half of these cases. These individuals are nearly three times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to the general population of smokers. In this manuscript, we detail the importance of implementing lung cancer screening in these high-risk populations.