WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P3.16.06 The Saving Lungs Behind the Chair Model Is Increasing Lung Cancer Awareness in US Black Communities

Pdf Summary

This study presents a community-based lung cancer education program targeting Black communities in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, where lung cancer outcomes are disproportionately poor due to late diagnosis and barriers such as medical mistrust, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening. The innovative model leverages licensed hair professionals (LHPs)—barbers and stylists trusted within their communities—as allies in raising lung cancer awareness. Over a three-month pilot, 59 LHPs were trained to deliver education on lung cancer screening and biomarker testing through in-salon materials, direct client education, digital toolkits, social media campaigns, and incentives.<br /><br />Key findings showed that 38.5% of 153 approached LHPs enrolled, with a balanced mix of barbers and stylists, and 154 clients subsequently took action to learn about lung cancer screening. Impressively, 90% of screening-eligible individuals expressed intent to schedule screening within 3-6 months, highlighting the program’s impact on motivation and trust. Data collection included surveys, client interactions, and social media tracking, supported by collaboration with a local community organization to enhance credibility.<br /><br />The program was implemented across seven Atlanta counties with substantial Black populations, demonstrating success in empowering community members to address health disparities. The model’s design to operate within trusted community spaces addresses the critical barriers to screening uptake. Following pilot success, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) plans a one-year awareness expansion in Atlanta starting August 2025, with potential replication in other US cities with large Black populations such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, and Dallas.<br /><br />This community-centered approach shows promise for sustainable, scalable impact on lung cancer awareness, screening rates, and ultimately, outcomes among underserved Black populations, emphasizing collaboration and trust-building as pivotal factors in reducing health disparities.

Asset Subtitle

Sydney Barned

Meta Tag

Speaker Sydney Barned

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

lung cancer education

Black communities

Metro Atlanta

medical mistrust

licensed hair professionals

lung cancer screening

biomarker testing

community-based program

health disparities

Lung Cancer Foundation of America