Abstract
BackgroundLow-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the chest for lung cancer screening of heavy smokers was given a ‘B’ rating by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2013, and gained widespread insurance coverage in the U.S. in 2015. Lung cancer screening has since had low uptake. However, for those that do choose to screen, little is known about patient motivations for completing screening in real-world practice.ObjectiveTo explore the motivations for screening-eligible patients to screen for lung cancer.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 LDCT screen-completed men and women who were members of an integrated mixed-model healthcare system in Washington State. From June to September 2015, participants were recruited and individual interviews performed about motivations to screen for lung cancer. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive content analysis by three investigators.ResultsFour primary themes emerged as motivations for completing LDCT lung cancer screening: 1) trust in the referring clinician; 2) early-detection benefit; 3) low or limited harm perception; and 4) friends or family with advanced cancer.ConclusionParticipants in our study were primarily motivated to screen for lung cancer based on perceived benefit of early-detection, absence of safety concerns, and personal relationships. Our findings provide new insights about patient motivations to screen, and can potentially be used to improve lung cancer screening uptake and shared decision-making processes.
Highlights
220,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, and only 16.8% survive 5 years following diagnosis.[1]
Four primary themes emerged as motivations for completing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening: 1) trust in the referring clinician; 2) early-detection benefit; 3) low or limited harm perception; and 4) friends or family with advanced cancer
This poor survival prognosis is primarily attributable to the fact that the majority of lung cancer cases have historically been diagnosed at an advanced/ distant stage due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease at localized stages[2]
Summary
220,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, and only 16.8% survive 5 years following diagnosis.[1]. In December 2013, based on evidence from a systematic review of lung cancer screening and simulation modeling studies largely informed by findings form the NLST, the U.S Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended lung cancer screening for asymptomatic men and women, aged 55–80 years, with !30 pack-year history of smoking, who are current smokers or quit within the last 15 years (grade “B” recommendation)[4]. This recommendation is important because the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage of preventive services with Grade “A” or “B” recommendations from the USPSTF without any patient cost sharing (i.e. co-pays or co-insurance). For those that do choose to screen, little is known about patient motivations for completing screening in real-world practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
