A new study led by Robert Van Haren, MD, MSPH, a member of the Experimental Therapeutics Research Program at the Cancer Center, and his research team have found that while more Americans are talking with their healthcare providers about lung cancer screening, overall screening rates among eligible individuals remain alarmingly low.

Robert Van Haren, MD, MSPH Member, Experimental Therapeutics Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

The study examined national trends in discussions about lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) — a screening method recommended for people at high risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers found that less than 20% of eligible individuals receive screening, despite strong evidence that early detection can improve outcomes and save lives. The findings offer some encouraging signs. By 2024, nearly 16% of eligible individuals reported having a discussion with their healthcare provider about LDCT screening, representing a significant increase compared with previous years.

Researchers identified several factors associated with a greater likelihood of screening conversations. Current smokers, retired individuals, and people with multiple health conditions were more likely to discuss screening with a clinician. The study also highlighted the importance of trust, finding that individuals who reported higher levels of trust in their healthcare providers and family members were more likely to engage in conversations about lung cancer screening.

After adjusting for multiple factors, current smoking status, the presence of lung disease and trust in family members remained independently associated with increased odds of discussing LDCT screening.

The research comes as Van Haren, in collaboration with Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH, associate director for Community Outreach & Engagement at the Cancer Center, leads a broader regional effort to increase awareness of lung cancer screening eligibility and improve screening rates across the Cancer Center's catchment area. The initiative unites major health systems throughout the region to develop a coordinated public education and marketing campaign focused on lung cancer screening. The collaborative campaign is expected to launch in November, coinciding with National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, with a goal to help eligible individuals better understand screening recommendations and encourage conversations with healthcare providers about whether LDCT screening is right for them.

Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD, MPH Associate Director, Community Outreach & Engagement University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

Support for the campaign is being made possible through a donation from a grateful patient, whose gift is helping health systems work together on a shared strategy to reduce barriers to screening and promote early detection.

"Awareness is one of the most important factors in increasing screening participation," said Van Haren. "By working together across health systems, we can deliver a consistent message that helps more people understand their risk and access potentially life-saving screening."

Together, the study's findings and the upcoming regional campaign underscore the need for continued efforts to close the gap between screening eligibility and screening participation. As healthcare leaders seek new ways to increase early detection, the research points to the critical role of patient-provider communication, family support and community-wide awareness in improving lung cancer outcomes.