Adults Reported Low Lung Cancer Screening Discussions

A 2024 survey found that only 15 percent of eligible U.S. adults discussed lung cancer screening with a doctor.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cancer

Isometric editorial illustration featuring geometric lung shapes within a structural grid, representing health data analysis. — A 2024 health survey found that only 15 percent of eligible U.S. adults discussed lung cancer screening with their healthcare providers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel your doctor provides adequate information regarding cancer screening tests for your health?

Data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey revealed that just 15 percent of eligible U.S. adults engaged in lung cancer screening discussions with a healthcare professional. These findings highlight significant gaps in communication based on race, insurance status, and social context.

Why it matters

Low rates of discussion contribute to poor adherence to screening protocols, which are vital for early detection and reducing lung cancer mortality. Improving these dialogues is essential to addressing demographic disparities in preventative care.

The analysis included 1,506 survey respondents, with current smokers showing an adjusted odds ratio of 6.37 for having screening discussions. Comparatively, Asian and Hispanic individuals faced adjusted odds ratios of 0.14 and 0.3, respectively, versus non-Hispanic white counterparts.

The players

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

This independent panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine develops recommendations for clinical preventative services.

University of Cincinnati

This public research university serves as the institutional home for the study authors who analyzed the survey data.

National Cancer Institute

This federal agency is part of the National Institutes of Health and leads the government's cancer research and training efforts.

The details

Researchers utilized data from HINTS 7 to identify factors associated with low discussion prevalence, finding that individuals with insurance and those who trust family members for health information were more likely to report conversations. The study underscores how clinical and social factors influence the reach of preventative health measures.

2013: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force first recommended lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals.
2021: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued the most recent update to its screening guidance.
2024: The National Cancer Institute conducted the HINTS 7 survey.

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The Big Picture

The study evaluates current communication trends against the established U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lung cancer screening guidelines. It highlights a persistent gap between existing medical recommendations and actual clinical engagement across diverse demographics.

Eligible adults should proactively ask their physicians about lung cancer screening during wellness visits, especially if they are current or former smokers. Patients should be aware that screening adherence is significantly linked to having these specific professional consultations.

The takeaway

Patients who maintain open communication with their doctors regarding their smoking history and lung health are significantly more likely to receive recommended screenings. Utilizing trusted family support networks can also serve as a helpful bridge to initiating these critical medical conversations.