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The LUNGevity Conversations that Count speaker series offers an opportunity to stay informed, engage in critical discussions, and learn from top experts revolutionizing lung cancer care for underserved populations. The series is intended for healthcare professionals, community health equity champions, and anyone interested in equitable access to healthcare.
In April, we welcomed Scout, PhD, executive director of the LGBTQIA+ Cancer Network and a valued member of the Health Equity Task Group. Scout also serves as principal investigator for both a CDC-funded LGBTQIA+ tobacco-related cancer disparity network and Out: The National Cancer Survey.
During the session, Scout presented “Breathe Out: Advancing Early Lung Cancer Screening in LGBTQIA+ Communities,” a campaign to raise awareness of lifesaving annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings. The discussion highlighted the significant and growing disparities in lung cancer risk among LGBTQIA+ individuals, including higher smoking rates, targeted tobacco industry marketing, and persistent barriers to accessing care—many of which are compounded by discrimination, medical mistrust, and a lack of research focused on this population.
A key highlight from this presentation is “EDDY” (Early Detection Driven to You), a mobile lung cancer screening unit brought to Roswell Park in Buffalo, NY. Designed to increase accessibility, EDDY provides quick, five-minute screenings for eligible individuals ages 50–80 with a history of smoking. Many participants were able to access this service at no cost through programs supporting uninsured individuals.
Overall, the session underscored the importance of culturally responsive outreach, accessible screening services, and continued efforts to address inequities in cancer prevention and care for LGBTQIA+ communities.
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