Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet conversations about screening for it are alarmingly rare. A new analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 7) found that only 15% of eligible adults reported discussing low-dose CT lung cancer screening with a clinician in the past year. A separate American Lung Association survey found that just 33% of the general public is even aware that screening exists for high-risk individuals — and fewer than one-third know lung cancer is the top cancer killer.

The HINTS study found that current smokers and those with lung disease were more likely to have had screening conversations, suggesting clinicians are prioritizing the highest-risk patients. But significant gaps remain: Asian and Hispanic individuals, and those without health insurance, were far less likely to report these discussions — a concern given documented racial disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

By the Numbers:

• 15% of eligible adults discussed lung cancer screening with a clinician in the past year
• Only ~20% of eligible U.S. adults adhere to screening recommendations overall
• Asian individuals were 86% less likely (aOR = 0.14) to have screening discussions vs. non-Hispanic white individuals
• Uninsured individuals were 80% less likely (aOR = 0.2) to have these conversations
• Lung cancer screening uptake still lags far behind colonoscopy and mammography (70–80% adherence)

Why it matters: Unlike colorectal or breast cancer screening, lung cancer screening criteria are complex — involving age, smoking status, and pack-years — making it harder for both patients and clinicians to identify who qualifies. Researchers say a multifaceted approach is needed: better EHR documentation, automated eligibility prompts, clinician education, and community-level outreach to reach underserved populations.