2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP04.05. Impact of Magnitude of Lung Cancer Screening Benefit on Uptake

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to assess how different communication strategies regarding the benefits of low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer could affect physicians' willingness to refer patients to a screening program, as well as the reactions of individuals interested in screening. The participants included 24 screening participants and 12 physicians, who were interviewed via Zoom. The majority of participants did not mention early detection and curability as benefits of LDCT screening, but instead focused on the identification of co-morbidities and health education and information. Physicians, on the other hand, mainly focused on early detection and curability. Both physicians and screening participants considered lung cancer screening to be equally or more important than other types of cancer screening. <br /><br />The study presented two different strategies for explaining the benefits of screening to the participants. The majority of participants felt that the strategy used to explain the benefits would not impact their decision to be screened, while a small subgroup felt that it would. Physicians found the dichotomy in framing the benefits confusing and stated that they did not rely on this type of expression when discussing screening with their patients. Instead, physicians relied on their own clinical experience regarding the curability of lung cancer when found early. <br /><br />Overall, the study found that physicians are confused about the extent of the benefits of lung cancer screening, even among those already referring patients. This confusion impacts their communication strategy. The study suggests that major organizations should provide clear messages to physicians regarding the magnitude of the benefits of screening, as even those inclined to refer patients may still be confused. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies to improve the uptake of lung cancer screening.

Asset Subtitle

David Yankelevitz

Meta Tag

Speaker David Yankelevitz

Topic Screening & Early Detection: Program Design

Keywords

communication strategies

low-dose CT screening

lung cancer

physicians

early detection

curability

co-morbidities

health education

importance of lung cancer screening

uptake of lung cancer screening