Lung Cancer Screening in Family Members and Peers of Patients With Lung Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening is promising for the early detection of lung cancer (LC) and the reduction of LC-related mortality. Despite the implementation of LC screening programs worldwide, recruitment is challenging. While recruitment for LC screening is based on physician referrals and mass advertising, novel recruitment strategies are needed to improve the enrollment of high-risk individuals into LC screening.

Objective: We aim to identify whether patients with LC can act as advocates to enroll their family members and close contacts into LC screening and whether this strategy increases screening uptake at the population level.

Methods: We designed a prospective cohort study comprising 2 cohorts constituted between June 2023 and January 2024 with a prospective follow-up of 18 months. Patients with LC (cohort 1) are approached at clinics of the McGill University Health Centre, educated on tools for communicating with family members and close contacts about the benefits of LC screening, and invited to refer their close ones. Referred individuals (cohort 2) are directed to this study's web-based questionnaire to assess their LC risk score with the PLCOm2012 (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial) prediction model. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria for LC screening (PLCOm2012 score ≥2% and aged 55-74 years) are directed toward the Quebec LC screening program. Data collected include sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy and smoking status (all participants), patient activation (cohort 1), perceived risk of LC, and generalized anxiety at baseline and at 28 days (cohort 2). LDCT completion within 18 months from referral is assessed from health records. Focus groups will identify the barriers and facilitators in the uptake of LC screening and preventative behaviors based on perceived genetic and clinical LC risks. The primary outcomes are the number of referred participants per survivor of LC and the mean risk of LC of the referred population based on PLCOm2012 scores. The secondary outcomes are the proportion of (1) participants eligible for LC screening; (2) participants eligible for screening who complete LDCT screening within 18 months of referral from a survivor of LC; (3) participants showing interest in genetic testing to inform LC risk; and (4) participants showing interest in a smoking cessation program. Multivariable logistic regression will identify the predictive factors of being referred for LC screening. PLCOm2012 scores will be compared for referred participants and controls from the provincial LC screening program.

Results: Overall, 25 survivors of LC and 84 close contacts were enrolled from June 2023 to January 2024, with followed up through July 2025. The results are expected by the end of 2025.

Conclusions: We describe an approach to LC screening referral, leveraging patients with LC as advocates to increase screening awareness and uptake among their family and peers.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05645731; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05645731.

International registered report identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/58529.

Keywords: chest tomography; cohort study; early detection of cancer; low-dose CT; lung cancer; lung cancer screening; patient advocacy; patient empowerment; patient experience; referral and consultation.

Figure 1

Screenshot of the web page for survivors of lung cancer and their close contacts. LC: lung cancer.