Invitation strategies and participation in a community-based lung cancer screening programme located in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

What is the most effective strategy to deliver lung cancer screening invitations? A population-based invitation approach was used in this study based in the UK to examine factors that affect participation and compare this approach to modelled targeted invitations. Letters were sent to 35,899 individuals aged 55-80, registered with a general practice in North and East Manchester, inviting ever smokers to complete lung cancer screening. There was an estimated response rate from ever smokers of 49%, with 71% of individuals invited being from the most socioeconomically deprived quintile. Younger age, male sex and primary care recorded current smoking status were found to be associated with a lower response rate. The modelled targeted approach required 32-48% fewer invitations compared with the population-based approach. However, targeted approaches are limited by incomplete primary records. Population-based invitations were found to be effective and may improve screening accessibility in this disadvantaged area.  Read the original article here.