Perceived barriers to lung cancer screening differed significantly between patients and providers (p < 0.05); patients emphasized fear of results (30%) while providers cited lack of awareness (86%).
Observational (n=5,396)
No
There is a significant disconnect between patient and provider perceptions of barriers to lung cancer screening, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing cost, fear, and awareness.
p-value: p=<0.05
Abstract Introduction West Virginia (WV) continues to face a high burden of lung cancer, with incidence and mortality rates surpassing national averages. Approximately 20% of WV adults report active smoking. Despite strong evidence supporting early detection, WV has one of the lowest rates of lung cancer screening in the nation (5–13%). This study aimed to evaluate the current status of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening across WV counties and identify barriers limiting access to screening. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 5,396 patients who underwent LDCT screening at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) between January 2022 and May 2025. Screening rates were analyzed by county and stratified by year. To assess perceived challenges and barriers to screening, electronic survey invitations were emailed to patients, and additional surveys were mailed. Electronic survey invitations were also emailed to healthcare providers. Differences in barriers reported by patients vs by providers were evaluated using chi-square tests. Provider familiarity with CMS screening guidelines were analyzed using chi-square and Spearman correlation. Results Patients who underwent LDCT screening for lung cancer at CAMC resided in 33 WV counties; 93% were White, and 5% were Black, reflecting state demographics. Screening participation was highest in Kanawha County, and surrounding areas. Among 119 patient survey respondents, 58% had heard of LDCT screening prior to their scan—most commonly from their physician (83%). Eighty-eight (74%) cited barriers to screening. Major deterrents reported by patients were cost (25%), fear of results (30%), lack of awareness (17%). Providers (n = 83) most often cited patients’ awareness of LDCT screening (86%), access to and time for screening (57%), and cost (42%) as major barriers. Perceived barriers differed significantly between patients and providers (p 0.05). Providers were far more likely to cite lack of awareness and time constraints as deterrents to screening, while patients emphasized fear of results and cost (Table 1). Provider familiarity with the CMS guidelines was correlated with their reported frequency of screening discussions (r = 0.61, p 0.05). Two thirds of providers reported limited resources for patient counseling and requested additional education and streamlined referral workflows. Conclusions Geographic, financial, and knowledge-based barriers continue to limit access to life-saving lung cancer screening in WV. Based on this study we plan to implement targeted, county-level interventions—provider education to increase guideline familiarity and screening discussions; patient awareness campaigns with navigation to reduce fear/cost barriers; mobile LDCT units and advocacy to expand access and improve early detection. This abstract is funded by: None
Chudnovets et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Lung cancer screening (n=5,396). Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening was evaluated on Differences in barriers reported by patients vs by providers (p=<0.05). Perceived barriers to lung cancer screening differed significantly between patients and providers (p < 0.05); patients emphasized fear of results (30%) while providers cited lack of awareness (86%).