Digital Education Program Boosts Lung Cancer Screenings

Strategic Insights -

A new study has found that providing patients with online educational tools can significantly increase lung cancer screenings among current and former smokers. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved an online education program called mPATH-Lung that provided patients with a short video and an online tool to help them weigh the benefits and risks of CT scans for lung cancer screening. The program allowed patients to directly request a screening appointment online, increasing the screening rate among participants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The online education program, mPATH-Lung, led to a 25% completion rate of CT scans for lung cancer screening among participants, compared to 17% in the control group.
  • The program targeted current and former smokers who were eligible for lung cancer screening based on their smoking history and age.
  • The digital approach increased screening rates across the board, with nearly 25% of patients completing a CT scan to screen for lung cancer.
  • The study's corresponding author, Dr. David Miller, noted that the program's goal was to address barriers to lung cancer screening, such as lack of awareness and time constraints during office visits.
  • The mPATH-Lung program was found to be effective in empowering individuals with information and easy access to screening, which can make a real difference in early detection of lung cancer.
  • The program could be adapted to other preventive health services, such as colon cancer screenings or vaccinations.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screening for individuals with a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between 50 and 80 years old.

Statistics:

  • 25% of patients using the mPATH-Lung program completed a CT scan to screen for lung cancer, compared to 17% in the control group.
  • Over 1,300 participants were randomly assigned to either the digital approach or traditional care.
  • Under 20% of eligible Americans are screened for lung cancer each year.
  • Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the U.S. and the world.

Sources:

  • Wake Forest University, news release, Oct. 20, 2025
  • Journal of the American Medical Association
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force