Barriers to lung cancer screening pathways
Overview
Adults with a severe mental illness (SMI) can be at greater risk of cancer mortality than those without. The
Schizophrenia Commission (2017) reports people with SMI are three times more likely to die from cancer than those
in the general population with a cancer diagnosis and estimates approximately one‐third of cancer deaths could be
prevented with early detection, of which cancer screening is the most effective method.
In 2023, the King’s Health Partners Mind & Body Programme conducted a review to explore inequalities that contribute to premature mortality in the SMI population in South East London (SEL), and found that cancer was the biggest all-cause of mortality for people
with SMI living in SEL, with lung cancer being the biggest cause of cancer death in the population.
The review recommended that barriers that impact access and adherence to lung cancer screening pathways for adults with SMI in SEL needs addressing, and interventions to reduce them needs to be provided to improve cancer screening uptake
and outcomes in this population.
This 12-month study is looking to understand the barriers that cause low uptake and engagement with lung cancer screening pathways amongst people with SMI in SEL.
We will obtain preliminary data and insights by collecting both quantitative data from General Practice SMI registers on the prevalence of people with SMI eligible for lung cancer screening and outcomes, prevalence rates from secondary care data, and by collecting qualitative data from interviews with primary and secondary care staff involved in screening pathways, and with service users with SMI who would be eligible to access screening.
Recommendations will be developed to address identified barriers that can be implemented and evaluated in a future study.
Are you interested in taking part in this research?
Find out more by filling in this form.
Planned end date
27 Feb 2026 11:19Conditions
Bipolar DisorderInclusion Criteria
Service user inclusion criteria for participation in interviews is as follows:
— A diagnosed serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis)
— A history of smoking or a current smoker or exposure to people who smoke
— Experience of symptomatic presentation to the GP, or being identified as eligible for the Targeted Lung Cancer Check Programme
— Experience of being referred for lung cancer screening in Southeast London
— Over the age of 18 and able to give informed consent
Staff inclusion criteria is as follows:
— Experience of supporting people with a diagnosed SMI in a clinical setting in either Lambeth or Greenwich boroughs in Southeast London
— Experience of supporting people with SMI who have a history of smoking, and problems relating to their smoking history
— Experience of referring people with SMI to lung cancer screening pathways and coordinating follow up appointments relating to the referral
— Over the age of 18 and able to give informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
Service user exclusion criteria is as follows:
— Currently accessing or have accessed within the last 12 months treatment for lung cancer symptoms within South East London
— Not over the age of 18
— Not able to give informed consent
Staff exclusion criteria is as follows:
— Not over the age of 18
— Not able to give informed consent