3392 - Social and behavioral indicators of undergoing a screening test for lung cancer

Background

The French health authorities are not in favor of systematic lung cancer (LC) screening and instead advocate boosting measures aimed at prohibiting smoking and controlling the use of tobacco. In this context, it appeared important to have a clear insight into the characteristics of individuals who have already undergone a screening test for LC.

Methods

The French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE 6, was conducted online from 26 June-28 to July 2017 on a core sample of 12 046 individuals (age, 18-69 years). Representativeness was ensured by quota sampling on age, gender, profession, and stratification by geographical area and type of urban district. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the characteristics of individuals likely to undergo LC screening. The present analysis included 3114 individuals (age, 55-69 years) with no history of cancer.

Results

Fifteen percent of the study population declared having already undergone a screening test for LC. Compared to individuals who had never been screened for LC, these 15% were characterized by a higher proportion of men (64% vs 54%, P<0.05), of retired individuals (59% vs 54%, P<0.05), and of current and former smokers (34% vs 21%, P<0.05, and 47% vs 38%, P<0.05, respectively). Mean age and social vulnerability did not differ significantly between the screened/unscreened populations. In multivariate analysis, items associated with undergoing screening included current smoking (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.54-2.38), low body mass index (OR=1.92, 95% CI=0.97-3.57), male gender (OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.31-1.99), and higher education (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.06-1.58). In contrast, belonging to the socioprofessional category of unskilled workers was associated with the likelihood of non-uptake of a LC screening exam (OR=0.38, 95% CI=0.16 – 0.78).

Conclusions

Individuals with a history of smoking or who currently smoke are the most likely to undergo screening for LC. The social criteria most frequently related to either uptake of or resistance to LC screening were higher education and belonging to lower socioprofessional categories, respectively.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial Acknowledgement

edical writing assistance was provided by Isabelle Lawrence, Potentiel d’Action (France)