Abstract A125: A nationwide initiative to expand access to lung cancer screening: Results and impact of the Color/American Cancer Society Lung Screening Access Program
Authors: Brockman Deanna , Fung Jennifer , Emig Ashly , Hands Gabrielle , McKennon Wendy , Cho Jennifer , Smith Robert , Dahut William , Zhou Alicia , Duchicela Keegan 
Published: September 2024

Lung cancer is a leading health challenge in the United States – it is the third most common cancer and disproportionately impacts people of color. Early detection of lung cancer is possible through routine screenings using low-dose lung CT scans. Despite the efficacy of screening, 80-85% of people eligible for screening are not up-to-date. The underutilization of regular screening has often been attributed to gaps in primary care and insufficient support following an abnormal result. In an effort to improve access, Color and the American Cancer Society (ACS), launched a nationwide initiative to make lung cancer screening readily accessible and free across all 50 states based on ACS guidelines. The program simplifies the screening process by managing all logistical steps from physician orders to finding and booking appointments at local clinics to assisting with next steps if abnormalities are detected.Since the program launched in November 2023, 74 people completed the online health risk assessment. On average participants were 54 years of age (range: 18-81 years), 64% (n=41) female, and 65% (n=48) White. 28% (n=19) respondents currently smoked, 50% (n=34) had a former history of smoking, and average smoking history was 23.0 pack years (range: 0.1 - 66 pack years). While the program primarily supports individuals who meet ACS lung screening guidelines, all participants can speak with a clinician about screening.Of those who completed the health risk assessment, 45.6% (n=31) met ACS eligibility criteria for lung screening. Eligible participants were on average 62 years of age (range: 51 - 77 years), 74% (n=23) were female, and 87% (n=27) were White. Eligible participants resided in 21 states, with Georgia and Ohio having the highest number of eligible individuals.To date, 9 people have completed a lung CT and 3 are in progress of scheduling. On average, appointments were scheduled within 25 days from the initial referral submission (range: 8-55 days) and all appointments were within 17 miles from the individual’s preferred location (average: 6.8 miles, range: 0.5-17 miles).3 participants had a change in their lung screening plan based on their result, with 2 participants having Lung-RADS 3 category nodules (follow-up in 6 months) and 1 having Lung-RADS 4A nodules (follow-up in 6 months). Other findings included an ascending aortic aneurysm (4.2 cm), a hiatal hernia, an indeterminate adrenal nodule, and mild coronary artery calcification, some of which required additional follow-up care with a PCP or cardiologist within 3-12 months. No participants were recommended to have immediate diagnostic testing for lung cancer based on their results. The Color/ACS Lung Screening Access Program demonstrates the impact that a virtual lung cancer screening program has on closing screening gaps. It underscores the critical role of supporting patients not only in undergoing cancer screening, but also in navigating the complexities of follow-up care, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of lung cancer prevention and early detection strategies.

Citation Format: Deanna Brockman, Jennifer Fung, Ashly Emig, Gabrielle Hands, Wendy McKennon, Jennifer Cho, Robert Smith, William Dahut, Alicia Zhou, Keegan Duchicela. A nationwide initiative to expand access to lung cancer screening: Results and impact of the Color/American Cancer Society Lung Screening Access Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A125.