Medical students and researchers boost lung cancer screening rates
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Students at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and researchers at Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute in Florida collaborated to increase lung cancer screening rates in their community.
They launched the “Saved by the Scan” awareness campaign, a bilingual advertising effort using email, social media, and traditional media to reach people at risk.
The team focused on reaching patients who might not otherwise access screening due to cultural barriers or lack of information, providing materials in multiple languages and offering patient navigation services. The study examined screening volume across 31 imaging locations and found a substantial increase after the campaign began in late 2021. Annual screenings rose from 2,185 in 2021 to 3,285 in 2023, a 50% increase over two years.
Researchers noted that early detection is critical, with five-year survival rates around 60-65% when lung cancer is caught early, compared to under 10% when it has spread. The team discovered a gap in knowledge within the Hispanic community, where many believed lung cancer was preventable but were unaware of screening options. Logan Spiegelman, a medical student involved in the research, gained valuable skills in data analysis and study reporting.
The group plans to continue refining their outreach, focusing on factors like smoking history, insurance coverage, and referral patterns to further improve access to life-saving screenings.
