Maximising the opportunities in lung cancer screening: uptake of consent to contact for research

Maximising the opportunities in lung cancer screening: uptake of consent to contact for research
T Patrick, SB Naidu, L Anandan, K Desai, V Marshman, P Robinson, S Patel, A Nair, R Thakrar, N Navani, JR Hurst, SM Janes, A Bhamani
BMJ Thorax, 3 November 2024
Abstract
Introduction
Low-Dose CT (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer mortality. However, the benefits of Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) can be extended, for example, by offering individuals the opportunity to participate in research. We investigated the proportion and characteristics of individuals willing to be approached about research participation in our Targeted Lung Health Check programme.
Methods
In our programme, eligible individuals as assessed in an initial telephone questionnaire proceed to a face-to-face lung health check and LDCT. An additional question for eligible individuals (‘Are you happy to be approached by a member of our research team about participating in research?’) was introduced on 4th December 2023. All individuals subsequently completing a telephone questionnaire up to 20th May 2024 were included in this analysis.
Results
1708/3095 (55.2%) individuals consented to being approached about participating in research. Of these, 1068 (62.5%) were male, 746 (43.7%) were current smokers and 1380 (80.8%) were of white ethnicity. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis (table 1) showed that the factors associated with an increased likelihood of agreeing to research contact were: personal cancer history (aOR 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.69)) and exposure to asbestos (aOR 1.63 (95%CI 1.34–1.99)). Being Asian (aOR 0.56 (95%CI 0.44–0.72)), having fewer years of formal education (finished education aged 15 or less aOR 0.44 (95%CI 0.33–0.60)) and a self-reported medical history of COPD (aOR 0.83 (95%CI 0.69–0.99) were associated with a reduced likelihood of consenting to research contact.
Discussion
Increasing public participation in research is important and part of the current NHS Long Term Plan.1 The majority of individuals undergoing LCS consented to be approached about research. However, groups already underrepresented in research were less likely to consent. Future studies should focus on increased diversity in research, potential benefits of which include increased public trust, promotion of fairness and improved generalisability of research findings.