Fewer than 1 in 5 eligible Americans up to date with lung cancer screenings

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

The study sample of about 26,000 individuals translates to 13.17 million people eligible for lung cancer screening nationwide. Of these, just under one fifth were up to date with recommended screening. Older adults were more likely to be on top of their screenings: 27.1 percent of respondents ages 70 to 79 were in compliance compared with 6.7 percent of those 50 to 54.

Rates of lung cancer screening were lower in the South — with Oklahoma averaging only 10.5 percent compliance — where there was also a high burden of lung cancer. Additionally, state-level Medicaid expansion was associated with keeping current on lung cancer screening. The proportion of people up to date with their screening was higher among the 39 states that expanded Medicaid and those with higher screening capacity, researchers said.

Those with comorbidities were also more likely to be up to date on their screening: About 25 percent of eligible individuals with at least three comorbidities had gotten screened. State-based initiatives to expand access to health care and screening facilities could improve screening rates and reduce disparities, the authors wrote.

Screening can prevent deaths from lung cancer because the disease is “usually easier to treat at early stages,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which takes a brief look at the statistical aspect of health issues. Additional information and relevant research are available through the hyperlinks.