While these statistics paint a stark reality, advances in medical science, screening guidelines, and a growing emphasis on prevention are beginning to show signs of progress. Overall, more Americans are quitting smoking sooner (or not starting at all) and more lung cancer cases are being diagnosed and treated earlier — saving thousands of lives each year.
In particular, recent changes in lung cancer CT screening guidelines have uniquely contributed to this positive momentum. Let’s look more closely at these guidelines, as well as what steps you can take to launch lung cancer screening initiatives in your own community.
Updated Guidelines Prioritize Prevention and Early Detection
Years of cancer research have underscored the value of preventive screening. According to the American Lung Association, an individual is 63% more likely to live five or more years if a lung cancer diagnosis is made early.
The Centers for Disease Control advise that the only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Other screening tests, such as chest X-rays and sputum cytology, have not been found to be effective and are not recommended for screening.
It’s important for both patients and providers to understand that not everyone shares the same risks for lung cancer and that screening initiatives should be strategically targeted. For healthcare leaders, the best place to begin your lung cancer screening plan is to review the updated low-dose computed tomography screening guidelines released by the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) in March 2021.
While patient age and smoking history remain the primary criteria for identifying high-risk individuals, the new guidelines greatly expand patient eligibility. In its first update since 2013, the USPSTF nearly doubled the number of individuals recommended for LDCT screening by making two key changes:
If you’re considering a lung cancer screening program, you’ll likely need an accompanying marketing campaign to assist in targeting both patients and referring physicians. Many patients are unaware that lung cancer screening programs exist or that most insurance providers will cover CT screening with no out-of-pocket cost.
Options for effective, affordable marketing include presentations, patient educational events, and in-person visits with local physician groups. Online marketing through social media and other platforms has also become instrumental in growing your medical practice, with more patients and referring doctors seeking healthcare information online than ever before. Search engine-optimized blogs, social media posts (including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn) and targeted email campaigns provide key digital marketing opportunities.
While lung cancer continues to be a formidable public health challenge, the 2021 USPST expansion of screening recommendations is a promising sign of meaningful, proactive change. With nearly 14 million Americans now defined as high-risk, including those from historically underserved populations, the potential for early detection and intervention has expanded significantly.
To capitalize on these opportunities and drive improved health outcomes, your organization must not only implement strategic screening initiatives but also embark on a comprehensive marketing campaign to raise awareness among patients and referring physicians. While lung cancer continues to impact countless lives, the recent advancements in screening guidelines represent a substantial step forward in the collective efforts to reduce its devastating toll on our communities and families.
To learn more about low-dose CT solutions offered by Cassling, including those that provide LDCT lung cancer screening options, click here.