healthmedicinet

Newly released study results present a strong case for lung cancer screening in New Zealand – particularly for M?ori whose mortality rates are between three and four times higher than other ethnic groups.

Around 450 M?ori are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and approximately 300 die from it.

Waitemat? and Auckland DHBs have collaborated with University of Otago researchers on a study to assess whether low dose computerised tomography (LDCT) might be a cost-effective way to catch the disease in its early stages and improve health outcomes for M?ori and, ultimately, other ethnic groups.

LDCT is a computerised x-ray that produces very clear three dimensional images by using only a small amount of radiation.

The study, led by Associate Professor Sue Crengle (K?i Tahu, K?ti Mamoe, Waitaha) from the University of Otago and just published online by medical journal BMJ Open, used scientific modelling to estimate the benefits and costs of LDCT screening in a high-risk population.

Multiple factors need to be considered before any kind of screening programme goes ahead but an answer to the question of cost-effectiveness is a significant step forward.

“Having clarity about the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening provides further impetus to get this work started,” Associate Professor Crengle says. “If this works for M?ori, then it will work for everyone else as well.”

Study findings show that:

• a national biennial lung cancer screening programme is likely to be cost-effective for M?ori and the total population in New Zealand.
• screening is likely to reduce population inequities relating to lung cancer among M?ori.

Screening trials have been completed overseas where they have resulted in a 20-26 per cent reduction in lung cancer deaths.

The DHBs and University of Otago are now planning to trial an invitation process with up to 50 general practices across the Auckland and Waitemat? catchments. The trial will be aimed at M?ori patients and the results will help shape any future screening roll-out across New Zealand.

Waitemat? DHB and Auckland DHB Director of Health Outcomes Dr Karen Bartholomew says deaths from lung cancer are the single-greatest contributor to the higher mortality rate for M?ori compared with NZ Europeans / other ethnicities.

“Around 75 per cent of early-stage lung cancer may be curable.” Dr Bartholomew says. “If lung cancer is caught early enough, the impact of screening could go a long way towards helping us save lives and eliminate the unacceptable inequities we currently see in mortality between M?ori and non-M?ori.”

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Toll-free link to the research paper: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bmjopen-2020-037145?ijkey=OZtkZISzRzWDW2mkeytype=ref

For further information, contact:

Associate Professor Sue Crengle

Department of Preventative and Social Medicine

University of Otago

Mob +64 21 832 346

Email: [email protected]

Liane Topham-Kindley

Manager, Media Engagement

University of Otago

Tel +64 3 479 9065

Mob +64 21 279 9065

Email [email protected]