Cross-sectional review of US websites providing lung cancer screening recommendations following the 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force updates

Abstract

BackgroundLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and an urgent public health priority. Early detection by low-dose CT (LDCT) screening and treatment of lung cancer has been shown to reduce mortality but uptake remains dismal, particularly among historically underserved groups. Following the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) expansion of its eligibility criteria to address inequities in utilization, efforts are needed to ensure dissemination of updated health information through digital means such as websites. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate whether online websites have been updated to reflect the recent USPSTF guidelines that expanded the recommended age and smoking pack-years for lung cancer screening. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we identified websites that provide information on lung cancer screening guidelines on May 24, 2022, approximately one year after the emergence of the updated USPSTF guidelines. The websites were assessed for recommended age to begin lung cancer screening and smoking pack-year quantity. ResultsOur study found that a lag in dissemination of updated lung cancer screening information exists. Approximately 1 year after the USPSTF guidelines were updated, 17–32% of websites providing information on lung cancer screening guidelines had not been updated. ConclusionRoutine monitoring of websites that provide information on lung cancer screening can help reduce misinformation, improve uptake of lung cancer screening, and prevent delays in diagnostic evaluation which disproportionally affects traditionally underserved populations.