A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool and Queen Mary University of London has shown the advantages of lung cancer screening for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The evidence presented in the study highlights the significance of screening, particularly for individuals residing in economically disadvantaged areas.
Lung cancer impacts approximately 40,000 individuals annually in the UK, and research conducted by experts in Liverpool has shown the clear advantages of lung cancer screening for high-risk groups.
In a recent publication in Lancet Regional Health Europe, researchers in the field of lung cancer highlight the advantages of low-dose CT lung cancer screening. The most recent study indicates that lung cancer outcomes are similar across all socioeconomic groups.
Importantly, it also shows that screening may offer added health benefits for other diseases related to smoking. The analysis revealed that CO conditions.PD and emphysema, which have a greater impact on lower socioeconomic groups, were found to be less common causes of death in individuals who underwent a low-dose CT scan. The study looked at the long-term results of participants from various socioeconomic backgrounds, allowing for an evaluation of how socioeconomic status influenced factors such as recruitment, screening selection, lung cancer detection, and long-term survival rates for lung cancer and other diseases. The findings indicated that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experienced similar benefits from low-dose CT screening in terms of lung cancer survival.The study found that people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to benefit from low-dose CT lung cancer screening, compared to those from more affluent groups. However, they were more likely to see positive results in terms of reduced death rates from COPD and emphysema. Professor John Field, the lead author of the paper and a Professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the significance of the study’s findings, stating that while the impact of low-dose CT lung cancer screening has been previously demonstrated in international clinical trials, this is the first study to compare the long-term impact of risk-stratified lung cancer screening across different socioeconomic groups.lung cancer screening to take up the opportunity, as it could lead to early detection and better outcomes for those at high risk. This data highlights the importance of targeted health checks for populations with a higher prevalence of smoking-related diseases, and the potential for positive impact on overall public health.” Dr Warburton added.
The data, which was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, showed that the benefits of lung cancer screening were particularly pronounced in areas with higher levels of deprivation. The study looked at the impact of lung cancer screening on both lung cancer outcomes and other smoking-related diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease. The results indicate that screening programs could have a significant impact on reducing the burden of these diseases in more deprived areas.
Dr. Warburton emphasized the importance of targeting high-risk populations for screening programs and encouraging participation in order to maximize the potential benefits for those in more deprived areas. He also highlighted the broader public health implications of these findings, suggesting that targeted lung health checks could have a positive ripple effect on overall population health by addressing smoking-related diseases beyond just lung cancer.
a Lung Health Check to attend this important appointment which might just help to prolong their life.”
Professor John Field collaborated with Dr Michael Davies, from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, and Daniel Vulkan, Professor Rhian Gabe, and Professor Stephen Duffy, from the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London.
Professor Stephen Duffy stated: “These findings suggest that lung cancer screening could help address some significant health disparities. As the targeted program is implemented nationwide, we need to ensure that all individuals have access to this potentially life-saving screening.”The goal is to provide service to underserved populations in need.”
The UKLS study received funding from the Health Technology Assessment program of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Dr. Michael Davies is a Senior Research Fellow at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The contributions of Daniel Vulkan and Professor Stephen Duffy to this research were funded by the NIHR Policy Research Programme.
