Identifying Community Perspectives for a Lung Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign in Appalachia Kentucky: The Terminate Lung Cancer (TLC) Study

Roberto Cardarelli, Karen L. Roper, Kathryn Cardarelli, Frances J. Feltner, Shirley Prater, Karen Michelle Ledford, Barbara Justice, David R. Reese, Patsy Wagner, Christine Cantrell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is now covered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services following an evidence-based recommendation, but a shared decision making process should inform patients of risks and limitations. An awareness campaign promoting LDCT screenings is an opportunity to elicit patient engagement with health providers about the risks and benefits. Focus groups representing three regions of Appalachian Kentucky known for high lung cancer rates discussed development of a lung cancer screening campaign. Recommendations included messaging content, appeals or design, campaign implementation, and trusted information or communication sources. Community health workers (CHWs) from three Eastern Kentucky regions recruited individuals from their local communities using established client files. CHWs hosted six total focus groups (7–11 participants each) using questions guided by the Communication-Persuasion Matrix framework. All sessions were recorded and transcribed for independent content analysis. A total of 54 individuals (61.1 % female; >55 pack year history) were participated. Prior to discussion, most participants had not heard of lung cancer screening. Cited needs for content of a campaign included benefits of early detection and payment information. Messages considered most persuasive were those that include personal testimony, messages of hope, prolonged life, and an emphasis on family and the ambition to survive. Having information come from one’s family doctor or specialty provider was considered important to message communication. Messages about survivorship, family, and prolonged life should be considered in lung cancer screening awareness campaigns. Our results provide community input about messages regarding screening options.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)125-134
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Cancer Education
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015, American Association for Cancer Education.

Keywords

  • Appalachia
  • Focus Groups
  • Lung cancer
  • Prevention
  • Qualitative
  • Screening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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