Unexpected effect of smoking/drinking cessation among computed tomography lung screening consumers

Abstract

Abstract Background Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is an innovated tool for lung cancer prevention. The findings of LDCT trials indicated that the screening could increase the motivation of smoking cessation for high-risk groups. However, none studies have investigated the associations between commercial LDCT lung screening and unhealthy behaviours among those customers. Methods We established a prospective observational study at a community hospital in Taiwan. In total, 1326 customers of the commercial LDCT lung screening without lung cancer history were recruited. At the day of screening, interviewers collected their baseline demographic information and smoking/drinking habits. Only 605 participants completed two follow-up surveys at the 3rd and 12th month. Screening findings were defined as ’normal’ if there were no nodules or only definitely benign nodules and as ’abnormal’ if any lung nodule or ground-glass opacity were found. We applied the generalised linear mixed model to estimate the effects of time and screening findings on daily smoking and weekly drinking. Results The rates of daily smoking (weekly drinking) decreased from 13.1% (15.5%), to 10.9% (12.9%) in the 3rd month, and 7.9% (12.4%) in the 12th month. The associations between abnormal screening findings and smoking (-0.25, 95% CI: -0.77,0.28) or drinking (0.13, 95% CI: -0.29, 0.56) cessation are not significant. The time effect on smoking cessation was persistent (-0.23 and -0.62 at the two periods, 95% CI: -0.39, -0.07 and -0.85. -.038), and the effect on stopping drinking was relatively small (-0.23 and -0.28 at the two periods, 95% CI: -0.43, -0.04 and -0.52, -0.04). Conclusions Commercial LDCT screening would decrease the rates of smoking more than drinking among these consumers, and the abnormal finding was not further associated with cessations. It implies that commercial screenings may be beneficial for decreasing unhealthy behaviours as a teachable occasion. Key messages Commercial LDCT lung screening program may have benefits for decreasing smoking and even drinking behaviours among the non-specific high-risk population. It might be a good moment for health providers and practitioners to conduct cancer-related health education during commercial screening programs.