Supplements

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.

Last updated: Jul 25, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

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 · Contemporary clinical trials (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 months (primary outcome) plus 15 months implementation
Intervention: Culturally adapted patient navigation to support lung cancer screening care completion
Outcome: Completion of chest CT within 6 months of randomization; secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life and smoking cessation
Effect Size: N/A
Population: American Indian/Alaska Native adults eligible for lung cancer screening in Tribal health clinics in Washington state

Result:

PubMed: 42476254DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108408

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.