New York, NY – A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that only about 18 percent of eligible Americans were up to date with their lung cancer screenings in 2022, showcasing variations in compliance rates across states and regions. The study, conducted by American Cancer Society researchers, analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationwide survey of Americans.
Screening eligibility was determined based on the 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria, recommending annual lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals. This includes those with a pack-a-day cigarette habit for 20 years or more who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between ages 50 and 80.
The study’s sample size of approximately 26,000 individuals translates to 13.17 million people eligible for lung cancer screening nationwide. Surprisingly, only just under one fifth of them were up to date with the recommended screenings. The study also found that older adults were more likely to comply with screenings, with 27.1 percent of respondents ages 70 to 79 following guidelines compared to only 6.7 percent of those 50 to 54.
Moreover, the research highlighted disparities in compliance rates across different regions, with the South having lower rates of lung cancer screening. For instance, Oklahoma averaged only 10.5 percent compliance, even though the region also faced a high burden of lung cancer. Interestingly, state-level Medicaid expansion was linked to higher screening rates, particularly in states with expanded Medicaid and higher screening capacity.
Individuals with comorbidities were also more likely to be up to date on their screenings, with around 25 percent of eligible individuals with at least three comorbidities having undergone screening. The study suggested that state-based initiatives to expand access to healthcare and screening facilities could potentially improve screening rates and reduce disparities.
Overall, lung cancer screening is crucial for preventing deaths from the disease, as early detection leads to easier treatment at early stages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that screening allows for earlier diagnosis, especially in high-risk individuals.
This study sheds light on the importance of regular lung cancer screenings and the need for increased efforts to improve compliance rates across the United States. By addressing barriers to screening and implementing initiatives to expand access to healthcare services, we can potentially save lives and reduce the impact of lung cancer on individuals and communities.