Cross-sectional study of assessment of lung cancer (LC) screening awareness in an underserved community in the Bronx, New York.

Abstract

155 Background: LC remains the second most diagnosed cancer but is the leading cause of cancer death in the USA, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths. Despite advances in screening and treatment, it remains the principal cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Notably, survival rates have improved from 21% to 25% over the past 5 years. However, LC screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is underutilized, with only 5.8% of eligible individuals screened in 2021. Methods: A prospective 29-question survey was conducted at St. Barnabas Health Care System in the Bronx, NY, from February to April 2024. The survey included patients aged 50-80, both former and active smokers. Data on demographics, social determinants, and knowledge of LC and LDCT screening were collected and processed using JASP Version 0.18.3. The study aimed to assess the community's knowledge of lung cancer screening, with demographic characteristics as secondary outcomes. Results: From all the surveys collected, 115 met the inclusion criteria, 53% male (61) and 47% female (54), with no significant difference between proportions (p=0.576). The median age was 63 years. Race: 73% were Hispanic, 22% Black, and 5% White, with significant differences from an equal distribution (p< 0.001). Legal Status, citizens (74%), followed by green card holders (17%). Most of the patients lived in the USA for over 20 years (90%), with very few having lived for less than five years (1%), indicating a long-term residency trend (p < 0.001). Education Level: high school education was the most common (58%), followed by middle school (17%) and elementary school (15%). Doctorate and graduate degrees were less common (7%). 91% of patients were aware of the relationship between cigarette smoking and LC, while 9% did not (p<0.001). On the other hand, 66% believed there was a relationship between e-cigarette use and LC, while 44% believed there was not. Patients with an income greater than $50,000 have significantly more knowledge of the screening tool for LC (STLC), as indicated by a Chi-square value of 50.87 (p < 0.05, with a critical value of 5.99). Patients with low education levels have less knowledge of the existing STLC, with a Chi-square of 143.587 (p<0.05 and a critical value of 9.488). Conclusions: Our study highlights critical disparities in LC awareness and knowledge of screening tools among different demographic groups. There is a clear need for targeted educational initiatives, especially for lower-income and less-educated populations, to improve understanding of LC risks associated with both traditional and electronic cigarette use. The significant presence of long-term Hispanic residents suggests that culturally tailored interventions could be particularly effective. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing lung cancer prevention and early detection efforts across diverse communities.