Understanding the risks of overdiagnosis in lung cancer screening
Official title: Estimating Overdiagnosis After Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening in Community-Based Healthcare Systems
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10953425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into whether lung cancer screenings using low-dose CT scans might sometimes find cancers that wouldn't have caused any problems, which could lead to unnecessary worry and treatment for patients; it's designed to help improve how we approach lung cancer screening in community healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 8, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,290 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA292991-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer and are considering or have undergone lung cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with lung cancer or those who are not at risk for lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential overdiagnosis of lung cancer resulting from low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in community healthcare settings. It aims to assess how many lung cancers detected through screening may not have caused harm if left untreated, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and aggressive treatments for patients. By analyzing data from various community practices, the study seeks to clarify the balance between the benefits and harms of lung cancer screening. This research will help inform guidelines and decision-making for lung cancer screening in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved lung cancer screening practices that minimize unnecessary treatments and anxiety for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated concerns about overdiagnosis in cancer screening, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, Nikki — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Carroll, Nikki
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.