Examining fair lung cancer screening strategies for better health outcomes.
Official title: Equity Implications of Lung Cancer Screening Strategies for Population Health: a Distributional Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11039111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different ways to screen for lung cancer can help improve health for everyone, especially for Black and low-income people, by figuring out the best methods to find those at higher risk and making sure everyone gets fair access to these screenings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,546 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD020158-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 50 to 80 years with a significant smoking history, particularly those from Black or low-income backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never smoked or are outside the age range of 50 to 80 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different lung cancer screening strategies can impact health outcomes, particularly for populations facing health disparities, such as Black and low-income Americans. It evaluates the effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening and explores whether using risk prediction models can improve the identification of individuals at high risk for lung cancer. By analyzing cost-effectiveness and health benefits, the study aims to ensure that screening guidelines are equitable and beneficial for all eligible individuals. The research will utilize updated guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society to assess the distribution of health benefits across different populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable lung cancer screening practices that significantly reduce mortality rates in underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that both USPSTF guidelines and risk prediction models can be cost-effective, indicating potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Meng-Yun — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lin, Meng-Yun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
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Integrated approach to lung screening and quitting for African Americans
A multi-level program aims to boost LDCT lung cancer screening uptake and help African American smokers quit, with support from a comprehensive community-focused plan.
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Population health approach to boost lung cancer screening at community clinics
A large Utah project aims to help community clinics reach more eligible adults to get low-dose CT lung cancer screening.
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Group-based tobacco treatment for older adults after lung cancer screening
A study tests a group-based tobacco cessation program for older adults who are getting lung cancer screening to help them quit smoking.
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Personalized Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans
Aimed at improving who gets screened and how lung cancer is diagnosed among Veterans using personalized tools.
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Proteogenomic framework to improve lung cancer screening with biomarkers
A biomarker-based approach aims to refine LDCT lung cancer screening so more cancers are caught early while reducing unnecessary procedures.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.