Perceptions and feelings of a French sample regarding lung cancer screening

• Main Authors: Nicolas Darnaud (Author), Jean-Eudes Mory (Author), Pascal Romy (Author), Jacques Berger (Author), Karine Eve (Author), Sophie Lantheaume (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Introduction This study investigated the perceptions and feelings of a French sample about the possible introduction of lung cancer screening. Methods A total of 146 individuals, aged between 19- and 64-years, participated in this study conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Participants were divided into three groups according to their smoking status: (i) active smokers (G1); former smokers (G2); and non-smokers (G3). Each individual completed an online questionnaire evaluating their perceptions and feelings about lung cancer, screening and scans. Results Overall, a higher percentage of former smokers (47%) indicated a greater willingness to participate in lung cancer screening compared to active smokers (19%) and non-smokers (32%). Active smokers and former smokers reported anxiety about the development of lung cancer. Active smokers who wished to participate in screening reported a greater motivation to reduce their tobacco consumption. The perception of lung cancer risk had less influence than age and socio-economic category on the participation in screening. Finally, stigma did not appear to be a barrier to undergoing screening. Conclusion Active and former smokers were generally optimistic about screening; however, active smokers showed less inclination to participate in screening compared to former smokers and non-smokers. Three main factors appeared to influence this participation: the perception of the risk of developing cancer, age and socio-economic category.

Item Description

10.1186/s12889-023-17110-8
1471-2458