Improving lung cancer screening for African Americans

Addressing racial disparities in lung cancer screening

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11043383

This study is working to create a tool that helps African Americans understand their risk for lung cancer so they can get screened more fairly, since current guidelines mostly focus on white populations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043383 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the racial disparities in lung cancer screening by developing a personalized risk prediction tool specifically for African Americans. Current screening guidelines are based on data that primarily reflects white populations, leading to reduced eligibility for African Americans. By analyzing data from large-scale cohorts with significant African American representation, the research will create a more equitable assessment of lung cancer risk and eligibility for screening. The study will involve constructing a natural-history model of lung cancer risk and evaluating various screening strategies through simulations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals who are at risk for lung cancer based on age and smoking history.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or who do not meet the risk criteria for lung cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable lung cancer screening practices, ultimately improving early detection and survival rates for African Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in developing personalized risk models for different populations, indicating that this approach could be effective for addressing disparities in lung cancer screening.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.