[Geospatial assessment of accessibility and territorial equity in lung cancer screening: A regional study]

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in France. Social inequalities play a major role in the observed disparities in incidence and mortality. Early detection has become a key strategy to improve patient survival. The pilot program IMPULSION, launched by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), aims to assess the conditions for implementing an organized national screening program. The objective of this study is to identify all healthcare professionals and facilities involved in the management of bronchopulmonary cancer in the former Poitou-Charentes region.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to identify healthcare professionals involved in lung cancer management.

Twenty-seven medical imaging centers equipped with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanners were identified across the region. A total of 109 specialists were listed, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, interventional radiologists, and thoracic surgeons.

Significant territorial disparities were observed in access to screening and care. While most of the target population lives within a reasonable distance of a specialized center, more than one-quarter of eligible individuals reside in underserved areas. The success of the future organized screening program will depend on strengthened coordination between healthcare providers and the implementation of innovative solutions to actively reduce territorial health inequalities.