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BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death worldwide. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated recommendations for lung cancer screening in 2021, adjusting the age of screening to 50 years (from 55 years), and reducing the number of pack-years total firsthand cigarette smoke exposure to 20 (down from 30). With many individuals using the internet for healthcare information, it is important to understand what information is available for individuals contemplating lung cancer screening. OBJECTIVE To assess the eligibility criteria and information available on lung cancer screening program websites for both health professionals and potential screeners. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional analysis in March 2021 of 151 lung cancer screening program websites of academic (n=76) and community medical centers (n=75) in the United States for data related to information for health professionals and potential screeners was conducted. Presentation of eligibility criteria for potential participants and presence of information available specific to the health professionals about lung cancer screening, were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included presentation of information about cost, smoking cessation, and inclusion of an online risk assessment tool, any clinical guidelines and multimedia used to present information. RESULTS Eligibility criteria is included in nearly all websites, with age range (92.1%) and smoking history (93.4%) included. Age was only consistent with the latest recommendations in 14.5% of the websites and no websites had updated smoking history. Half the websites mention screening costs as related to the type of insurance held. About one in six (15%) featured an online assessment tool to determine eligibility. A similar proportion (15%) hosted information specifically for health professionals. About a third (29%) of websites referred to smoking cessation. Almost a third of websites (30.5%) used multimedia to present information, such as short videos or podcasts. CONCLUSIONS Most US websites of lung cancer screening programs provide information about eligibility criteria, but this is not consistent and has not been updated across all websites following the latest USPSTF recommendations. Online resources require updating to present standardized information that is accessible for all. |
