New Web-Based Tool Aims to Cut Lung Cancer Deaths with Tailored Strategies, Reveals Research - Video

In a major step toward tackling cancer-related deaths, experts have developed a customizable, web-based planning tool designed to help implement targeted strategies to reduce lung cancer mortality. The features and development process of this tool are detailed in a recent article published by CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, and available via Wiley Online Library.

Lung cancer remains the top cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths globally. Despite the availability of screening programs that can detect the disease early, screening rates across many regions have remained low. This delay in diagnosis and care significantly contributes to the high mortality associated with the disease.

To tackle rising lung cancer deaths, the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT) was formed in 2017, uniting over 200 organizations. Its State-Based Initiatives (SBI) Task Group was tasked with developing a centralized, web-based tool to provide tailored best practices and strategies for each region.

The SBI Planning Tool was developed using a collaborative, user-informed approach involving multiple meetings, interviews, and usability testing. The content, design, and navigation of the website were refined biweekly, incorporating feedback collected through user surveys. Recognizing the varying challenges and resources available in different regions, developers ensured that users could navigate toward tailored recommendations that best matched their needs.

Importantly, the tool was designed with a strong focus on health equity. Developers sought to avoid exacerbating disparities by ensuring underserved communities are not left behind in lung cancer prevention and treatment strategies.