Summary
Disparities
Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) developed the Saving Lungs Behind The Chair campaign to address these health inequities by leveraging trusted relationships in the Black community via licensed beauty hair professionals in Metro Atlanta.
This pilot program recruited and trained 59 hair professionals (33 stylists, 26 barbers) to serve as community health ambassadors, providing lung cancer education to clients. Critical messaging conveyed included screening and biomarker testing. The campaign operated across seven counties with high Black populations (26.1% to 68.1%).
In less than 90 days, the campaign reached 2,404 community members: 700 through direct client conversations of which 22% registered for more information, 153 hair professionals approached in which 59 were recruited as ambassadors, and 1,551 individuals via social media. Following education, among clients eligible for screening, 90% expressed intent to schedule screening within 3-6 months.
The Saving Lungs Behind The Chair campaign demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based approaches to lung cancer education.
