In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers from the American Cancer Society found that only 18 percent of eligible Americans were up to date with their lung cancer screenings in 2022. The study, which analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, revealed significant variations in compliance rates across states and regions.

Screening eligibility was determined based on the 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria, which recommends annual lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals. This includes those with a pack-a-day cigarette habit for 20 or more years, current smokers, or those who have quit within the past 15 years and are between the ages of 50 and 80.

The study sample included approximately 26,000 individuals, representing 13.17 million people eligible for lung cancer screening nationwide. Shockingly, less than one fifth of this population was up to date with recommended screenings. Notably, older adults were more likely to comply, with 27.1 percent of respondents aged 70 to 79 being in compliance compared to only 6.7 percent of those aged 50 to 54.

Regional differences were also observed, with lower screening rates found in the South. Oklahoma, for instance, had an average compliance rate of only 10.5 percent, despite a high burden of lung cancer in the state. On the other hand, states that had expanded Medicaid and exhibited higher screening capacity showed higher proportions of people up to date with their screenings.

The study further noted that individuals with comorbidities were more likely to be compliant, with approximately 25 percent of eligible individuals with at least three comorbidities undergoing screenings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, screening for lung cancer is crucial as it can prevent deaths from the disease, as it is typically easier to treat in its early stages.

To address the low compliance rates and reduce disparities, the authors of the study recommended state-based initiatives to expand access to healthcare and screening facilities. Improving screening rates across the nation could potentially lead to earlier diagnoses and increased chances of successful treatment for lung cancer patients.