P1.03-040 Beliefs Surrounding Lung Cancer Screening among Physicians and Lay Populations: Results from the EDIFICE Survey

Abstract

The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial has shown that lung cancer screening (LCS) with an annual low-dose chest CT-scan reduces specific mortality in both former and current heavy smokers. However, organizational issues have yet to be solved before it can be systematically implemented. We investigated the perceptions of the population at large as well as those of physicians with regard to the efficacy of LCS, and target populations in terms of tobacco use. The 4th French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE 4, was conducted by phone interviews of a representative sample of 1602 subjects, aged between 40 and 75 years, from June 12 to July 10, 2014. A mirror survey was also conducted by phone among physicians between July 9 and August 8, 2014. Both surveys were conducted using the quota method on representative samples of 1463 lay persons and 301 physicians with no history of cancer. For 53% of lay persons and 33% of physicians interviewed (P<0.01), generalization of LCS is potentially an effective way to reduce lung cancer mortality. For the majority of interviewees (58% of lay persons and 55% of physicians; difference not statistically significant [NS]), offering LCS to the whole population would not encourage smokers to continue smoking. The table shows lay persons’ and physicians’ replies concerning possible target populations within the whole population and among smokers. Lay persons are more inclined to suggest generalizing LCS to the whole population, independently of current smoking status or quitting issues. Lay persons and physicians alike agree with generalizing LCS to all smokers, regardless of their tobacco consumption.