Understanding participation challenges in lung cancer screening program: Findings from the DEP’KP80 trial in France

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can significantly reduce mortality among high-risk populations. However, participation rates in lung cancer screening programs are often suboptimal due to various barriers.

Method

The DEP’KP80 trial is a multicentric prospective study conducted in the French territory of Somme, assessing the feasibility of lung cancer screening using LDCT. Participants aged 55–74 with a smoking history of over 30 pack-years were recruited between 2016 and 2020. A questionnaire was administered to all participants to evaluate motivations and barriers to participation.

Results

The trial enrolled 1369 participants, with 30.4 % responding to the questionnaire. Of the responders, 65 % were male, and the mean age was 61.9 years. Key motivations for participation included health concerns related to smoking (68.7 %) and healthcare professional advice (16.5 %). Main barriers were perceived lack of invitation (37.5 %) and logistical issues (21.9 %). Notably, 63 % of responders reported that participation led to smoking cessation. In addition, the most common source of information about the program was healthcare professionals (85 %).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the crucial role of healthcare professionals in promoting lung cancer screening and identifies significant barriers to participation. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions could enhance screening uptake and improve lung cancer outcomes.