Improving uptake of lung cancer screening: an observational study on the impact of timed appointments and reminders.

Abstract

Lung cancer screening (LCS) reduces lung cancer-related mortality; however, uptake remains low compared with other cancer screening programmes. In this observational study, we report the impact of timed appointments and reminders on participation in our regional LCS programme.Initial uptake of timed appointments was 53.0% (n=17 274/32 593), higher than previously reported in the UK, while initial uptake of open invitations was 29.8% (n=10 246/34 371). Among initial non-responders, 17.5% (n=4263/24 400) completed triage following a reminder. The increased participation following reminders only partially offset the significant difference in initial uptake between the two appointment types.Timed appointments and reminders are strongly advocated to increase participation in national LCS programmes.