LEXINGTON, Ky. — A new University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that lung cancer screening rates among eligible U.S. adults have improved in recent years, but fewer than one in four are getting screened annually as recommended.

The study, led by Todd Burus, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine and member of the UK Markey Cancer Center's Community Impact Office, analyzed data from the 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and compared results with 2022 to track progress among eligible adults.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and early detection through screening can improve survival outcomes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose CT screening for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.

The study found that 24.5% of eligible adults were up to date on screening in 2024, a 6% increase from 2022. While gains were seen across most groups, screening rates showed no change among Hispanic adults and non-Hispanic Asian and Black adults, pointing to persistent gaps in access or outreach.

Adults with military-related health coverage had the highest screening rates at 39%, compared to 19% among those with private insurance. Uninsured adults had the lowest rates at around 6%, with no meaningful change since 2022.

The disparities align with broader patterns documented in Kentucky, where lung cancer rates are 55% higher than the U.S. average. Research has shown that patients in Kentucky tend to be diagnosed at later disease stages, contributing to worse outcomes.

"We still have a long way to go with increasing the use of lung cancer screening among high-risk populations," Burus said. "This study gives us a glimpse into where we are being more successful currently and where additional investments should be made to help ensure certain groups don't get left behind."

The study's findings point to the need for targeted outreach through community health workers and patient navigation programs to increase screening rates among groups with low uptake. The introduction of strategic initiatives at the health system level, such as those implemented by the Veterans Health Administration, also show promise at easing the burden of identifying eligible individuals and recommending them for screening.