Lung Cancer Screening in the Incarcerated Population Through a Community Imaging Partnership

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Limited data exist on cancer screening within carceral settings.
• Lung cancer screening is crucial for early detection in high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a lung cancer screening program in a carceral facility.
• To assess the acceptance and effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening among incarcerated individuals.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a lung cancer screening event at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
• Offered LDCT scans to sentenced individuals meeting U.S. Preventive Services Task Force age criteria.
• Analyzed LDCT results using the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS v1.1).

Main Results:

• Out of 282 eligible individuals, 57 (48.7%) were confirmed eligible and received LDCT scans.
• 94.4% of scans were categorized as Lung-RADS 1 or 2 (negative or benign findings).
• Screening identified 21 incidental findings, including aortic aneurysms and severe coronary artery calcification.

Conclusions:

• Implementing lung cancer screening in carceral settings is feasible and accepted by the incarcerated population.
• Screening outcomes in this setting did not significantly differ from general population estimates.
• LDCT screening in carceral facilities can identify lung cancer and other incidental findings.