Testing lung cancer screening during hospital stays for high-risk patients

This study is testing a new way to find lung cancer early by offering screening directly to eligible patients during hospital stays, rather than waiting for outpatient visits. The researchers are also providing smoking cessation support to help people quit or reduce smoking. The goal is to make these potentially life-saving services accessible to people who might otherwise miss them.

Lung cancer screening with a special type of CT scan can reduce deaths by 20% in high-risk patients, but most eligible people never get screened—especially those in underserved communities, those with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities. This study addresses that gap by bringing screening directly into the hospital where vulnerable patients are already receiving care.