High-risk community and primary care providers knowledge about and barriers to low-dose computed topography lung cancer screening

- LDCT screening is an opportunity to reduce lung cancer through early detection.
- Healthcare providers lack knowledge of LDCT and cite time constraints as a barrier.
- Reported barriers for high risk individuals include a lack of knowledge and costs.

IntroductionUntil recently, there has not been a valid and reliable screening test for lung cancer. As compared to chest X-ray, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening has demonstrated greater sensitivity resulting in lung cancer diagnosis at an earlier stage, thereby reducing lung cancer mortality among high-risk individuals by 20%. In the current study, we sought to examine knowledge and attitudes about LDCT screening for lung cancer among an ethnically and racially diverse sample of high risk (HR) community members and primary care providers (PCP).MethodsEligible individuals participated in a focus group using semi-structured interview guides. Focus groups were conducted with PCPs (by telephone) and HRs (in-person). Sessions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The constant comparison method and content analysis were used to analyze results.ResultsThe majority of PCPs had limited knowledge of lung cancer CT screening. PCPs cited barriers to recommendation including, cost/insurance barriers and the potential for false positives. PCPs perceived the main benefit to be early detection of lung cancer. The majority of HRs had never heard of lung LDCT screening and had never had a healthcare provider recommend it to them. Perceived barriers included fear of results (bad news) and financial costs. The main perceived benefit was early detection.ConclusionLack of knowledge about LDCT was a key a barrier across both the PCP and HR. respondents. Understanding the barriers to lung screening across diverse community populations is necessary to improve screening rates and shared decision-making.