WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.04.06 Health Beliefs and Adherence to Lung Cancer Screening in a Diverse, Real-World Population

Pdf Summary

This study investigated health beliefs and adherence to lung cancer screening (LCS) via low-dose CT (LDCT) in a diverse, real-world population at an urban safety-net system (Parkland Health, Dallas). Despite LCS’s proven benefits, its uptake remains low. Researchers surveyed 411 English- and Spanish-speaking individuals referred for LCS between 2017-2019, capturing demographics, smoking history, health beliefs, and lung cancer worry prior to their first LDCT.<br /><br />Key findings include that 82% completed the initial LDCT, but about 20% did not. Most believed LCS helps find lung cancer early (90%) and nearly half perceived themselves at risk. Higher self-efficacy (confidence in managing screening logistics and information) and lower perceived barriers were significantly linked to LDCT completion. Conversely, those not completing LDCT more often reported fear of lung cancer (33% vs. 17%), stigma related to smoking (33% vs. 18%), and mood-impairing worry (82% vs. 67%).<br /><br />Notably, although all participants had LDCT ordered by clinicians, only about 60% recalled discussing LCS with their physician, and many felt uncomfortable asking questions, indicating communication gaps.<br /><br />Perceived barriers included avoidance due to absence of symptoms, desire to not know if lung problems exist, fear of blame for smoking, and anxiety about findings. Self-efficacy items like assurance in transportation and obtaining information were lower among non-completers.<br /><br />The study highlights modifiable factors—fear, stigma, worry, and self-efficacy—that impact real-world LCS adherence, especially in racially/ethnically diverse and socioeconomically vulnerable patients (71% minoritized groups). Findings suggest that interventions addressing stigma, emotional concerns, patient education, and provider communication could enhance LCS participation, aiding earlier lung cancer detection and potentially improving outcomes in high-risk populations.

Asset Subtitle

Sheena Bhalla

Meta Tag

Speaker Sheena Bhalla

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

low-dose CT

health beliefs

screening adherence

self-efficacy

perceived barriers

fear and stigma

patient-provider communication

racial and ethnic diversity

socioeconomic vulnerability