Education messages and strategies to inform the public, potential screening candidates and healthcare providers about lung cancer screening: A systematic review

International lung cancer screening (LCS) trials, using low-dose computed tomography, have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing mortality from lung cancer. This systematic review aims to synthesise the key messages and strategies that could be successful in increasing awareness and knowledge of LCS, and ultimately increase uptake of screening. Studies were identified via relevant database searches up to January 2022. Two authors evaluated eligible studies, extracted and crosschecked data, and assessed quality. Results were syn-thesised narratively. Of 3205 titles identified, 116 full text articles were reviewed and 22 studies met the in-clusion criteria. Twenty studies were conducted in the United States. While the study findings were heterogenous, key messages mentioned across multiple studies were about: provision of information on LCS and the recommendations for LCS (n = 8); benefits and harms of LCS (n = 6); cost of LCS and insurance coverage for participants (n = 6) and eligibility criteria (n = 5). To increase knowledge and awareness, evidence from awareness campaigns suggests that presenting information about eligibility and the benefits and harms of screening, may increase screening intention and uptake. Evidence from behavioural studies suggests that cam-paigns supporting engagement with platforms such as educational videos and digital awareness campaigns might be most effective. Group based learning appears to be most suited to increasing health professionals' knowledge. This systematic review found a lack of consistent evidence to demonstrate which strategies are most effective for increasing participant healthcare professional and community awareness and education about LCS.

Automated summary

International lung cancer screening trials using low-dose computed tomography have shown clinical effectiveness in reducing lung cancer mortality. This systematic review aims to synthesize the key messages and strategies for increasing awareness and knowledge of screening. The review found that providing information on screening recommendations, benefits and harms, cost and insurance coverage, and eligibility criteria are important for increasing knowledge and intention to screen. Educational videos and digital awareness campaigns may be effective in increasing engagement, while group based learning is suitable for increasing health professionals' knowledge.