Table 2

Cancer beliefs and willingness to be screened for lung cancer

CharacteristicNever smokersFormer smokersCurrent smokersAll subjectsSmokers v non-smokers
(n = 925)(n = 517)(n = 559)(n = 2001)Odds ratio* (95% confidence interval)
p<0.05 compared with non-smokers by t test or χ2 test, as appropriate.
p<0.05 compared with former smokers by t test or χ2 test, as appropriate.
§p<0.05 compared with non-smokers, after adjusting for age in a logistic regression model.
*Odds ratios reflect comparisons between smokers and non-smokers, and are adjusted for age in a logistic regression model.
Told by doctor that he/she is at high risk of developing lung cancer (%)0.94.921.7†,‡,§7.714.7 (9.6 to 22.5)
Belief that he/she is at risk for lung cancer (%)
Yes2.87.723.1†,‡,§9.56.95 (4.99 to 9.67)
No90.877.436.2†,‡,§0.08 (0.06 to 0.10)
Not sure6.914.940.8†,‡,§7.21 (5.59 to 9.30)
Belief that early detection of lung cancer results in a good chance of surviving (%)58.854.048.7†,§54.70.65 (0.53 to 0.79)
In making decision to be screened:
Screening convenience is important (%)28.932.329.430.01.06 (0.85 to 1.32)
Risk of disease is important (%)87.780.956.4†,‡,§77.20.21 (0.17 to 0.27)
Screening accuracy is important (%)92.486.970.9†,‡,§85.00.24 (0.19 to 0.32)
Screening cost is important (%)36.138.351.5†,‡,§41.01.98 (1.61 to 2.42)
Willingness to consider for cancer/pay for test/undertake follow-up
Willingness to consider screening for lung cancer (%)87.686.171.7†,‡,§82.80.30 (0.23 to 0.39)
Willing to pay $200 for lung cancer screening test (%)51.345.627.5†,‡,§43.20.26 (0.20 to 0.33) Willing to pay$300 for lung cancer screening test (%)26.920.310.9†,‡,§19.50.29 (0.20 to 0.42)
Willing to have surgery for lung cancer (%)69.262.550.5†,‡,§62.20.39 (0.31 to 0.48)