Community-based pre-screening using a paper-based risk assessment tool to identify individuals at risk for lung cancer
1
Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
2
Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3054
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. The aim of this paper is to report on the effectiveness of a paper-based risk assessment tool in identifying individuals at risk for lung cancer during community awareness initiatives.
METHODS:
The goal of the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program (MLCCP) Phase 3 in South Africa is to establish a lung cancer care continuum in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for previously and newly diagnosed patients at the KZN project sites, leveraging existing infrastructure, resources, and skills. One objective focuses on mobilizing communities through targeted cancer education and awareness campaigns to increase public knowledge of lung cancer. Pre-screening began with the administration of the risk-assessment tool, and individuals who met specific criteria were invited to participate in the mobile X-ray program. Eligibility for the mobile X-ray was based on the following criteria: Individuals who reported being smokers and had two or more additional symptoms listed on the tool; Individuals with a smoking history of 10 pack-years; Individuals with a family history of lung cancer who reported any symptoms; non-smokers who reported three or more symptoms; and Individuals with environmental exposure (but who do not smoke) who reported two or more symptoms.
RESULTS:
Three thousand and sixty-five (3065) participants were screened at the community level using a paper-based lung cancer risk assessment tool. Of those, two 2093 (64%) were selected for community mobile x-ray screening, with 810 (39%) participating in the mobile x-ray drives. Of those, 270 (33%) were referred for Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan, and 77 (29%) underwent LDCT scan.
CONCLUSIONS:
The ability to identify individuals at risk using this assessment tool and refer them for LDCT evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness and value of a community-based approach. This enables earlier detection and helps bridge gaps in healthcare access
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. The aim of this paper is to report on the effectiveness of a paper-based risk assessment tool in identifying individuals at risk for lung cancer during community awareness initiatives.
METHODS:
The goal of the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Program (MLCCP) Phase 3 in South Africa is to establish a lung cancer care continuum in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for previously and newly diagnosed patients at the KZN project sites, leveraging existing infrastructure, resources, and skills. One objective focuses on mobilizing communities through targeted cancer education and awareness campaigns to increase public knowledge of lung cancer. Pre-screening began with the administration of the risk-assessment tool, and individuals who met specific criteria were invited to participate in the mobile X-ray program. Eligibility for the mobile X-ray was based on the following criteria: Individuals who reported being smokers and had two or more additional symptoms listed on the tool; Individuals with a smoking history of 10 pack-years; Individuals with a family history of lung cancer who reported any symptoms; non-smokers who reported three or more symptoms; and Individuals with environmental exposure (but who do not smoke) who reported two or more symptoms.
RESULTS:
Three thousand and sixty-five (3065) participants were screened at the community level using a paper-based lung cancer risk assessment tool. Of those, two 2093 (64%) were selected for community mobile x-ray screening, with 810 (39%) participating in the mobile x-ray drives. Of those, 270 (33%) were referred for Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scan, and 77 (29%) underwent LDCT scan.
CONCLUSIONS:
The ability to identify individuals at risk using this assessment tool and refer them for LDCT evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness and value of a community-based approach. This enables earlier detection and helps bridge gaps in healthcare access
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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