Community Perceptions of Executive Orders Impacting Lung Cancer Care, Research, and Mental Health

TL;DR

This study explores how lung cancer patients and professionals feel about new healthcare policies affecting care, research, and mental health.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into community perceptions of executive orders impacting lung cancer care and research.

Findings

Most respondents reported emotional distress and concerns about disrupted care and research funding.

Themes included fear of Medicaid cuts, delayed diagnostics, and stalled innovation.

Patients and caregivers were most affected by policy changes.

Abstract

In January 2025, federal executive orders introduced sweeping changes to healthcare, public health infrastructure, and research funding. These shifts raised concern within the lung cancer (LC) community, which depends on early detection, timely care, and continued innovation. This study examined community perceptions of these policy changes.

We conducted a mixed-methods national survey (March 2025) guided by the Social Ecological Model. A 12-item online survey collected responses from individuals with personal or professional ties to LC. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were performed.

Among 497 respondents, 239 met inclusion criteria. Most reported a personal (69.5%), professional (20.0%), or combined (10.5%) connection to LC. Over half cited emotional distress, disrupted care, and research-funding concerns. Thematic analysis of 81 responses revealed six themes: fear and uncertainty; reduced access; research loss; and mixed views, with some supporting or opposing the executive orders. Patients and caregivers most often reported fears regarding Medicaid cuts, delayed diagnostics, and stalled innovation.

Findings highlight emotional, operational, and research-related disruptions perceived by LC communities and reinforce the urgency of centering affected voices in health-policy decisions.

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