Culturally adapted patient navigation improves lung cancer screening uptake in American Indian/Alaska Native adults
This study protocol describes a type 1 hybrid implementation-effectiveness randomized controlled trial testing a culturally adapted patient navigation intervention to increase lung cancer screening (LCS) completion in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults. Two hundred eligible participants across 5 Tribal clinics in Washington state will be randomized 1:1 to patient navigation or enhanced usual care, with the primary outcome being completion of a chest CT within 6 months of randomization. The study also includes a 15-month implementation evaluation to assess sustainability of the intervention in Tribal clinic settings.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Culturally adapted patient navigation improves lung cancer screening uptake in American Indian/Alaska Native adults The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Culturally adapted patient navigation improves lung cancer screening uptake in American Indian/Alaska Native adults
This conclusion is most relevant to: American Indian/Alaska Native adults eligible for lung cancer screening in Tribal health clinics in Washington state.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Strengthening awareness and community resources for early detection of lung cancer through navigation guided screening in American Indian/Alaska Native clinics (SACRED LUNGS): Study protocol. (Contemporary clinical trials, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Patient navigator provides culturally tailored support to eligible AI/AN adults
- ▸Navigator addresses barriers to lung cancer screening (e.g., access, knowledge, trust)
- ▸Patients complete low-dose chest CT screening within 6 months
- ▸Result: Increased lung cancer screening uptake and potential reduction in lung cancer mortality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸American Indian/Alaska Native adults eligible for lung cancer screening in Tribal health clinics in Washington state
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Results are not yet available as this is a study protocol; effectiveness is hypothesized but unconfirmed
- ▸Limited to 5 Tribal clinics in Washington state, which may reduce generalizability to other AI/AN populations or regions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the SACRED LUNGS trial?▼
The primary goal is to evaluate whether a culturally adapted patient navigation intervention increases lung cancer screening completion (chest CT within 6 months) among American Indian/Alaska Native adults in Tribal health clinics.
How many participants are involved and how are they assigned?▼
Two hundred eligible participants across 5 clinics serving 5 Tribes will be randomized 1:1 to either patient navigation or enhanced usual care.
What is the duration of the intervention and follow-up?▼
The primary outcome is assessed at 6 months post-randomization. After the RCT phase, both arms receive patient navigation for an additional 15 months for implementation evaluation.
Why is this study important for American Indian/Alaska Native populations?▼
AI/AN adults have the highest risk for lung cancer but lower screening uptake compared to other groups. This study tests a culturally tailored approach to improve screening and reduce disparities.
References
- 1.Triplette M, Walsh C, Shah PD, Hippe DS, Louie T, Anderson N, Long S, Omernik B, Schwartz J, Nelson L, Parker M, Mendoza J, Nikander J, Ramachandran M, Carey A, Tsosie U. “Strengthening awareness and community resources for early detection of lung cancer through navigation guided screening in American Indian/Alaska Native clinics (SACRED LUNGS): Study protocol..” Contemporary clinical trials, 2026. PMID: 42476254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108408