ASPO Abstracts
Racial, Gender, and Geographic Differences in Lung Cancer Screening Behavior Among Screening-Eligible Individuals
Category: Cancer Health Disparities, Early Detection & Risk Prediction
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Lung cancer kills more Americans than any other cancer with more than 158,000 people dying annually. Indiana is among the top 10 states with the highest lung cancer incidence. Racial, gender, and geographic disparities exist in other types of cancer screening. However, little is known about how key sociodemographic variables impact lung cancer screening behavior. Because stage at presentation drives mortality, it is critical to understand factors that influence screening behavior in order to intervene. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of sociodemographic variables and knowledge with lung screening participation. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study using survey methodology was conducted with 438 screening-eligible individuals from the state of Indiana measuring sociodemographic variables, knowledge about lung cancer and screening, and screening participation. Results: Participant mean age was 62.6 years (SD 5.8). A geographically and racially diverse sample was recruited; majority were female (57.3%). Race and geographic residence were associated with total knowledge scores and screening participation with White participants more likely to screen compared to Black participants (p=0.002). White participants also had higher total knowledge scores (4.02[0.10];p<0.001) compared to Black participants (3.19[0.12]). Geographically, suburban participants had highest total knowledge scores (p<0.001). Conclusions: Results indicate key racial and geographic differences that may perpetuate cancer screening disparities. Lung screening can potentially decrease lung cancer-related mortality in high-risk individuals. However, individuals need to be aware of this screening option, engaged in a discussion with an informed clinician, and if the decision is to screen, structural and perceived barriers addressed. We have a unique opportunity at this early implementation stage in lung cancer screening to identify what variables influence screening participation. This knowledge can be used to design equitable patient outreach programs, meaningful, tailored patient engagement materials, and effective patient-clinician decision support tools.
Keywords: disparities, lung cancer screening, health behavior