Kathryn L. Taylor, PhD

Lung cancer deaths can be reducedthrough CT lung screening and treatment of early-stage disease, preventing up to 12,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths annually. However, not enough eligible individuals are undergoing lung screening. One large and untapped group of people eligible for lung screening are the 56,000 older smokers who utilize state quitlines each year. We propose to test two low-cost and sustainable methods of providing Maryland quitline users with information needed for making an informed decision about lung screening: a validated, interactive website vs. a print version of the website, to improve the primary outcomes of lung screening knowledge and intention to undergo screening. Given the continued digital divide, both web- and print-based educational methods are needed to reach all screening-eligible smokers who access the quitline.

Update:

Using stakeholder input, we are comparing two sustainable methods of educating Maryland quitline users about lung screening: an interactive website (https://equal.shouldiscreen.com) vs. a print booklet. Given the continued digital divide, both web- and print-based educational methods are needed to reach quitline callers. We are enrolling and randomizing participants to receive either the website or the booklet, and assessing their subsequent lung screening knowledge, screening intentions, and screening completion. The long-term goal is to implement the more effective tool across all quitlines to reach this large, high-risk group.