Summary
Expanding lung cancer screening to those aged 50-80 with 20 pack-year smoking history could increase eligibility by 87%, reducing disparities and saving lives.
New Data Highlights Urgent Need to Expand Access to Lung Cancer Screenings
Recent data emphasizes the urgent need to increase access to lung cancer screenings. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), less than one in five eligible individuals in the United States are up-to-date with recommended lung cancer screenings. This low screening rate is particularly concerning in Southern states and among those without health insurance or a usual source of care.
The ACS study found that only 1 in 20 persons without insurance or a usual source of care were up-to-date with lung cancer screenings. However, states that expanded Medicaid saw higher screening rates, highlighting the importance of access to healthcare in improving early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and early detection significantly improves survival rates. The ACS and other organizations are working to increase access to lung cancer screenings, particularly in underserved communities. Initiatives such as the ACS’s Get Screened program aim to raise awareness and screening rates by partnering with local health systems and providing information on cancer screenings.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed updates to lung cancer screening eligibility guidelines for Medicare beneficiaries, which could increase access to screenings for more Americans.
The data underscores the critical need to reduce barriers to lung cancer screenings, including lack of insurance and access to healthcare facilities. Expanding Medicaid and improving screening capacity are key steps towards increasing early detection and saving lives. Public awareness campaigns and targeted initiatives are essential to addressing these disparities and reducing the burden of lung cancer.
