Aditi Singh, MBBS, MPH

Research Project:
Evaluating Lung Cancer Screening in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Mixed-Methods Study

Grant Awarded:

Catalyst Award

Research Topics:

clinical research
epidemiology
implementation science
public health
risk factors
screening
tobacco

Research Disease:

lung cancer

Veterans who survive head and neck cancer (HNC) often have a history of heavy smoking, putting them at high risk for developing a second primary lung cancer (SPLC). Although lung cancer screening (LCS) saves lives, HNC survivors were not included in the major trials, and it is unclear how best to screen this group for lung cancer. Some HNC survivors may not benefit equally from screening if they cannot undergo surgery or radiation. Our preliminary data show high rates of lung cancer in this population, yet few receive screening. This study will examine SPLC incidence, LCS use and variation, and explore whether screening improves survival among this patient population. We will also explore why some VA hospitals screen more HNC patients than others. The study results will provide critical data to guide a larger study and support a VA-wide approach to ensure consistent, high-quality, risk-stratified lung cancer screening for HNC survivors, which ultimately may reduce lung cancer deaths in this vulnerable group.

Page last updated: September 22, 2026

Aditi Singh, MBBS, MPH

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