Community Awareness of Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, but only 4.5% of eligible people undergo recommended screening. We hypothesize that low community awareness remains a barrier to lung cancer screening.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of attendees at our institution’s community health fair. Survey topics included demographics, smoking history, cancer history, lung cancer screening knowledge, and perceptions of screening risks and benefits.

Results

Of 214 survey participants, 139 (65%) were women, and there were 98 (46%) Asian and 86 (40%) White participants. Almost a third of the sample had worked in health care, and just more than a half had completed some graduate school. There were only 6 (2.8%) current smokers and 28 (13%) former smokers. Most participants (71%) did not know there was a way to screen for lung cancer. Most participants (66%) knew that cigarette smoking was the risk factor considered for lung cancer screening, but very few knew the screening criteria. More than 75% of participants chose “strongly agree” or “agree” that several benefits of lung cancer screening are important to consider, but only 50.0% to 66.3% for several risks. Most participants (71%) responded that they are “very likely” or “likely” to undergo screening if eligible.

Conclusions

In a survey study at a community health fair, community awareness of lung cancer screening was very low, but most participants said they would be willing to be screened if eligible. Community education is critical in increasing our lung cancer screening rates.