Among adults eligible for lung cancer screening, 44% preferred a hypothetical blood test compared with 22% for a CT scan, and 80% would be more likely to take the test during a routine physical.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,004)
What are the attitudes and preferences of high-risk individuals regarding lung cancer screening modalities, specifically a hypothetical blood test versus CT?
A less invasive blood-based screening option is preferred by many high-risk individuals and may improve willingness to participate in lung cancer screening programs.
Absolute Event Rate: 44% vs 22%
Abstract Rationale A decade after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation for low-dose CT lung cancer screening, uptake remains low with fewer than one in five eligible adults up to date with screening. Prior studies have indicated skepticism and fatalistic attitudes among people who smoke. This survey aimed to assess current attitudes toward lung health and lung cancer screening to inform future interventions to improve screening uptake. Methods A survey was conducted among individuals eligible for lung cancer screening (currently smoke or previously smoked aged ≥ 50 years with ≥ 20 pack-years of smoking and no prior lung cancer diagnosis). Participants were interviewed regarding their perceptions of lung cancer, health behaviors, and preferences for screening modalities. Respondent demographic information and response to survey questions were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results The survey link was sent to 49,500 subjects aged 50 years old, with 4,462 respondents. After excluding ineligible subjects and those with incomplete data, a convenience sample of 1004 subjects were included in the final analysis. Respondents had a mean age of 64 years and reported a mean 41 pack-years of smoking. Most participants believed that some cancers are treatable (93%) and that tests exist to screen for lung cancer (88%). Over 80% reported trusting medical advice and wanting to ensure their lungs are healthy. However, only 40.8% perceived themselves as being at high risk for lung cancer, and only 26% reported ever having a CT scan. For those who had not received a CT scan, 62% stated their doctor had not advised the scan and 18% were not aware of CT screening for lung cancer. When asked about potential screening methods, 44% expressed a preference for a hypothetical blood test compared with 22% for a CT, while 29% were indifferent. Most respondents (80%) said they would be more likely to take the test if offered as part of a routine annual physical and would follow-up with additional testing (85%), such as a CT scan, if their doctor ordered it after a positive blood test. Conclusions Although awareness of lung cancer screening exists among high-risk individuals, perceived personal risk and physician recommendation rates remain low. A less invasive blood-based screening option may improve willingness to participate in lung cancer screening programs. These findings highlight opportunities to address perception gaps and enhance patient-provider communication to increase screening uptake. This abstract is funded by: Nucleix
Nino et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Lung cancer screening eligibility (n=1,004). Hypothetical blood test vs. CT scan was evaluated on Preference for screening modality. Among adults eligible for lung cancer screening, 44% preferred a hypothetical blood test compared with 22% for a CT scan, and 80% would be more likely to take the test during a routine physical.