Disparities across the continuum of lung cancer care: a review of recent literature

Abstract

Purpose of review Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Health disparities have long been noted in lung cancer incidence and survival and persist across the continuum of care. Understanding the gaps in care that arise from disparities in lung cancer risk, screening, treatment, and survivorship are essential to guiding efforts to achieve equitable care. Recent findings Recent literature continues to show that Black people, women, and people who experience socioeconomic disadvantage or live in rural areas experience disparities throughout the spectrum of lung cancer care. Contributing factors include structural racism, lower education level and health literacy, insurance type, healthcare facility accessibility, inhaled carcinogen exposure, and unmet social needs. Promising strategies to improve lung cancer care equity include policy to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke and harmful pollutants, more inclusive lung cancer screening eligibility criteria, improved access and patient navigation in lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, more deliberate offering of appropriate surgical and medical treatments, and improved availability of survivorship and palliative care. Summary Given ongoing disparities in lung cancer care, research to determine best practices for narrowing these gaps and to guide policy change are an essential focus of future lung cancer research.

Lung Cancer Screening in the US, 2022

“…Additionally, efforts should ensure that inequities do not arise because of barriers elsewhere in the screening continuum (eg, follow-up, cessation and oncologic treatment, and screening and treatment quality), which may further exacerbate noted racial and ethnic inequities in LC mortality burden. 28,32,34 Among screening-eligible persons nationally, we found that that UTD-LCS prevalence was higher among older persons than among younger persons, a finding consistent with other studies. 10,17 As evidence emerges of shifting late-stage diagnosis burden to younger ages, 35 this finding suggests the need for targeted demand (eg, education campaigns) and delivery (eg, addressing lower health care coverage, leveraging allied health professionals) interventions among younger LCSeligible persons.…”