WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P1.04.20 Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening Among Overdue Patients; a Quality Improvement Initiative

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This quality improvement initiative at Stanford primary care clinics investigated barriers to lung cancer screening (LCS) among patients overdue for the test, despite lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. The study identified 150 eligible overdue patients through electronic reminders and conducted phone interviews with 63 participants to understand reasons for delayed screening.<br /><br />Key findings revealed that 32% of overdue patients were unaware of LCS, and 49% did not recall discussing screening with their physicians. Univariable analysis showed overdue patients tended to be younger, privately insured, retired, and less likely to have seen a primary care provider (PCP) in the past year. Multivariable analysis confirmed private insurance as a significant predictor of being overdue for screening. The primary reasons for not being screened included managing other urgent medical or personal issues (44%), lack of understanding about LCS or its guidelines (19%), and anxiety about the screening process or results (17%). Despite these barriers, 86% of interviewed patients expressed interest in undergoing screening.<br /><br />The study implies that enhancing patient education regarding lung cancer screening and encouraging proactive engagement from primary care physicians are crucial strategies to improve screening rates. Additionally, ensuring clearer communication about screening guidelines and addressing patient anxiety could further reduce delays.<br /><br />This initiative underscores the need for targeted interventions within primary care settings to overcome knowledge gaps and logistical challenges hindering timely lung cancer screening, ultimately aiming to reduce lung cancer mortality through earlier detection.

Asset Subtitle

Sania Choudhary

Meta Tag

Speaker Sania Choudhary

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

primary care clinics

screening barriers

patient education

private insurance

screening guidelines

patient anxiety

electronic reminders

early detection

lung cancer mortality