by Lori Solomon

The prevalence of lung cancer screening (LCS) increased in 2021 versus 2019, according to a research letter published online June 21 in JAMA Network Open.

Kristin G. Maki, Ph.D., from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and colleagues estimated LCS using data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (in four states: Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island).

The researchers found that the prevalence of LCS was 21.2 percent among eligible individuals, an increase of 8.4 percent from 2019. Participants undergoing LCS reported a high pack-year smoking history (mean, 57.3 pack-years). A higher likelihood of LCS was seen for respondents in Rhode Island versus Maine (OR, 1.96). Compared with White respondents, the likelihood of LCS was higher for those who self-reported belonging to racial and ethnic groups other than White, Black, Hispanic, or multiracial (OR, 8.89).

Further, LCS likelihood was higher among respondents who reported having a primary health professional versus those who did not (OR, 5.62). The likelihood of LCS was lower for participants aged 55 to 64 years (OR, 0.43) and those aged 78 to 79 years (OR, 0.17) versus respondents aged 65 to 77 years.

"Research to identify facilitators for LCS among persons who currently smoke is needed, including a focus on the role of stigma as a barrier to screening," the authors write.

More information: Kristin G. Maki et al, Prevalence of Lung Cancer Screening Among Eligible Adults in 4 US States in 2021, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19172

Journal information: JAMA Network Open 

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