Closing the screening gap: Bringing lung cancer prevention to Greater Minnesota

Cancer screenings save lives. But when it comes to lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer death—screening rates remain far too low. At the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), University of Minnesota, we are working with partners across our state to change that.

Abbie Begnaud, MD, a pulmonologist and associate professor at the U of M Medical School, is leading research with the MCC-led Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN) to increase lung cancer screening in clinics across Greater Minnesota, including Princeton and Hibbing Fairview locations and at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.

“Anybody with lungs can get lung cancer, and, when found early, lung cancer survival rates can reach 80 to 90 percent,” said Dr. Begnaud. “The problem is that less than 20 percent of eligible Minnesotans are actually screened for lung cancer.”

Barriers in rural communities

Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who are at higher risk: those over age 50 who have a history of heavy smoking. But rural communities face challenges that make getting screened harder.

Many rural areas have higher smoking rates, which means more people are eligible for screening. Yet access to imaging centers can be limited. Even when clinics are located next to imaging facilities, transportation, long distances, and scheduling issues can still get in the way.

There are also social barriers. Stigma around smoking can make people hesitant to ask about screening. Some believe lung cancer cannot be treated, which may stop them from seeking care. Dr. Begnaud encourages patients to rethink what they know: “Forget whatever you think you know about lung cancer treatment. It is a totally different ball game today.”

Awareness is another issue. Most people know about colonoscopies or mammograms, but lung cancer screening is less familiar. Care teams may also miss opportunities if they do not know a patient’s smoking history.

How the screening works

The screening itself is simple. Instead of fasting or undergoing an invasive test, lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan.

“It’s the easiest and most comfortable screening exam,” says Dr. Begnaud. “All you do is lay on a table for a quick minute and then get a scan.”

Research that makes a difference

Dr. Begnaud’s study tested a strategy that coached whole clinic teams—not just doctors—to make lung cancer screening a shared priority. Staff reported that the approach was helpful and easy to use. As a result, screening orders increased to 30 percent of eligible patients, a meaningful jump from the number that it was before.

Support from MNCCTN made this work possible by connecting clinics across Minnesota and providing funding for the research. The success of this project is helping move larger statewide trials forward, including in more rural clinics.

Even with this progress, Dr. Begnaud says there is still urgent work ahead. “My clinical work as a lung specialist motivates me,” she shared. “Every time I see somebody who comes to me who should have been screened and wasn’t, and now they have a stage 3 or a stage 4 lung cancer, it motivates me to get up and work harder tomorrow because there’s still a lot of work to do.”

Raising awareness, improving outcomes

Lung Cancer Awareness Month each November reminds us how important screening and education are for saving lives. But the real work to improve prevention, screening, and treatment happens every day, all year round. Dr. Begnaud’s work shows how research can strengthen care for people across Minnesota, especially in communities that face the biggest barriers.

“Research is more than looking for better treatments; it’s looking for better practices so that we can better care for all of our patients, no matter where they live,” said Brad Benson, MD, an MCC researcher, U of M Medical School professor, and senior leader for the M Health Fairview medical system.

At MCC, we are proud to support research that brings life-saving tools, like lung cancer screening, to more Minnesotans. Our team of doctors, researchers, educators, and patient and community advocates will continue working with partners statewide to remove barriers, advance research, and make early detection possible for all Minnesotans.

The original version of this story was first authored by M Health Fairview. This version has been adapted for MCC audiences.