Because We Want You Around for Those Special Moments

At Walgreens, we cherish life's special moments—the laughter, the milestones, the quiet joys with loved ones. Because we want you to be there for all of them, we're committed to your health. Join our study to help develop a test for early lung cancer detection. By participating, you're not just taking a step for your own health but you're also contributing to a future where more people can experience the gift of time with their loved ones. Together, we can make a difference.

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Why is this study important?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths  worldwide, but only 5.8% of eligible candidates have been screened!1,6 Over half of lung cancer diagnoses occur after the disease has spread.8 Early detection can significantly improve a patient’s outcome.

The US Preventive Task Force, a group of experts in preventive healthcare, recommends yearly lung cancer screening (chest CT scan) for adults who:

●  Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years,
●  Smoke (or used to smoke) at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years and,
●  Are 50-80 years old.1

Insurance plans and Medicare often cover the cost of these screening tests!1 (More information below in the FAQs)

Has your doctor recommended a lung cancer screening test? 

If you are a current or former smoker, age 50 or older and planning to complete a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan), you may be eligible to join the PROACT LUNG study. Your participation in the study will help develop a new screening blood test that may find lung cancer.

Study volunteers will be paid for their time and effort in completing the three study visits. 

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Why is The Synchronize Study important?

“Overweight” and “obesity” are complex, chronic health conditions that can be caused by several factors, such as genetics (passed on from one generation to the next), environment, hormones, or other medical conditions. While nutrition and physical activity has been proven to help many in managing their weight, for some, more help may be needed. The SYNCHRONIZE studies will help doctors understand if a new treatment to help with weight loss is safe and effective among different groups of people.

Haven’t Scheduled Your CT scan Yet? We’re Here to Help!

We understand that scheduling a CT scan for lung cancer screening can be stressful. However, early detection is key to effective treatment. If you haven't scheduled your scan yet, we're here to help. Our resources and support are available to guide you through the process.

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What is this study about?

The information collected in this study will help develop a simple blood test that may be used to screen for lung cancer. The convenience of a simple blood test will increase the number of individuals that complete lung cancer screening, improve lung cancer outcomes, and ultimately reduce death rates.

Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarette use is linked to 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths.2 Most people do not know they have lung cancer until the disease is advanced and have symptoms such as a cough that won’t go away, chest pain, feeling out of breath, coughing up blood and/or weight loss. Screening for lung cancer when there are no symptoms of the disease may find the cancer early, when treatment may work the best.4

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Who is this study for?

We are looking for volunteers who are:

Scheduled OR planning to schedule  a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) with their local doctor. Important note: Do not complete the CT scan before informing us, as there are important steps that need to be completed beforehand.

A current or former smoker

50 years or older

Willing to complete a blood draw

Have no personal history of cancer (except skin cancer)

Insurance plans and Medicare often cover the cost of these screening tests!1 (More information below in FAQs)

See if you qualify for this study, regardless of whether you have a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) already scheduled.

Who qualifies for a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan)?

You may qualify for a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) if you are:

  • Between the age of 50-80 years old,
  • Smoke or (used to smoke) at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years and,
  • Currently smoke or have stopped smoking within the past 15 years.1

Insurance plans and Medicare often cover the cost of these screening tests.

Talk to your local doctor about getting a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) and its potential benefits.

Refer friends and family into the study!

Do you have friends or family members that smoke or previously smoked? Please encourage them to speak with their local medical doctors to learn more about lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan).

Help spread awareness by sharing the link with friends and family who have a smoking history.
https://mywalgreenstrials.com/lung-refer

Frequently asked questions

Why should I participate in this study?
Lung cancer can be deadly. It is the most common type of cancer to occur in the United States.1 Completing a screening test such as chest CT (computer tomography) scan can find early signs of lung cancer. When lung cancer is found early, treatment options may work better.

Joining this study may help researchers create another type of screening option for lung cancer. Researchers are working to create a lung cancer blood test that may be a more convenient and accessible way for people to screen for lung cancer. It is important to ensure that people of all backgrounds, ages, races, ethnicities and genders are represented in the group of research study participants to help create a new screening test for everyone, especially the high-risk smoking population.

Join us in the fight against lung cancer by spreading awareness on the importance of screening!
What is the purpose of the study and the blood draw?
Freenome is working on an investigational (not yet approved for general use) blood test that may help find lung cancer. This test looks for something called DNA, which is a set of instructions inside your body. It tells your body how to grow and work properly. DNA is in every cell of your body. It is believed that when someone has lung cancer, there is more of this special DNA related to lung cancer in their blood.

To help us learn how to detect lung cancer earlier, we will collect samples of blood, health and lifestyle information, and the results of your lung cancer screening tests (chest CT scans, the test to check your lungs) from participants.
What does study participation involve?
You will be on the study for up to 2 years. Please see below for participation details.

As an interested study volunteer, you will:

1. Take a short online survey (10 minutes) to determine if you may qualify to join the study. You must have a lung cancer screening test scheduled but not yet completed to qualify as additional steps are required prior to the completion of your lung cancer screening test.

2. If you qualify, you will then complete a phone call with Walgreens Clinical Trial staff to gather additional health/lifestyle information and confirm lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) information that you scheduled with your local doctor (15 minutes).

3. Next, if you are fully eligible to join the study, you will complete another phone call about one month prior to your scheduled lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) to review and sign electronic informed consent form, complete baseline study questions, and schedule the at-home blood draw (which must occur within 30 days of signing the informed consent) (30 minutes).

4. A mobile phlebotomist (a trained professional who can draw blood) from Portamedic will arrive at your home or location of your choice to complete the blood draw. They will collect up to 3 tablespoons of blood (~1 hour).

5. Within 45 days of completing the blood draw, you must complete your lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) that has been scheduled for you by your local doctor.

6. Once your blood draw appointment and lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) appointment have been completed, you will receive a $100 electronic gift card for your time and effort.

7. In 12 months, you should complete another standard of care lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) as a part of your standard of care. Additionally, a member from our research study team will call you to gather updated health/lifestyle information.Upon confirmed completion you will receive a $75 electronic gift card for your time and effort. *

8. In 24 months, you should complete another standard of care lung cancer screening test chest CT scan) as a part of your standard of care. Additionally, a member from our research study team will call you to gather updated health/lifestyle information. Upon confirmed completion you will receive $75 electronic gift card for your time and effort. *

*Based on chest CT scan results, your doctor may suggest that you undergo additional follow-up screenings, diagnostics, or procedures based on standard of care.
What are the benefits and risks to participation?
You will not directly benefit from taking part in this study.

The purpose of this study is to gather demographics, health history, lifestyle information, a blood specimen and lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) results from study volunteers. The information collected will be used to help evaluate the blood test. The blood test could be used in the future to screen for lung cancer.

Finding lung cancer early when treatment may work best will save lives!
If I have additional questions, who can I ask?
We understand that any medical choice requires time to think, process and fully understand the information available in order to make an informed decision.

It is possible you may still have questions about the study. If so, please call the Walgreens study team Monday through Friday, between 8am-8pm EST, toll free at 1-855-371-0483. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions.
Do I need insurance?
No. Insurance is not required to participate.

Please refer to the question ‘Do I have to pay to participate?’ for further details.
Do I have to pay to participate?
You will not have to pay for study-related events or procedures such as the collection of your medical history, lifestyle questions or the blood draw.

Your lung cancer screening tests (chest CT scans) will not be paid for by the study. You will need to work with your own doctor’s office and/or insurance provider to determine the cost of your chest CT scans.

IMPORTANT: Most insurance plans and Medicare help pay for recommended lung cancer screening CT chest scans. If the screening test finds something abnormal, you may need more tests. These follow-up tests may have a cost such as a co-pay or deductible. Check with your insurance plan to find out what benefits are covered for lung cancer screening. For more information about Medicare coverage, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1 (877) 486-2048.5

You might also find this information helpful in figuring out if your insurance covers a lung cancer screening test7: https://www.lung.org/getmedia/36bf8cc4-4878-4289-969e-ee6b8b112e2a/lung-cancer-insurance-chart.pdf
What is a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan)?
A chest computerized tomography (CT) scan uses special medical equipment to take very detailed pictures of the organs in your chest. The pictures are taken and reviewed by a trained medical professional to make sure all of the organs appear normal and healthy. A chest CT scan can best be compared to an x-ray.5
What can I expect during a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan)?
During a chest CT scan, you will be asked to lay down on a table. While you are laying on the table a radiographer (trained medical professional) will control a medical camera that will move over and around your chest. The pictures that are captured will be of the organs in your chest. These pictures will be reviewed by a radiologist (a type of doctor who specializes in reading CT scan results) to determine if the organs in your chest appear normal and healthy.6
Who will schedule my lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan)?
Please call your doctor’s office (likely your pulmonologist, an internal medicine or primary care doctor) to schedule your standard of care lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan).
Who should be screened for lung cancer?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a group of people makes recommendations of healthcare. They recommend that a yearly lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) should be completed by people who:

- Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and

- Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and

- Are between 50 and 80 years old.

A pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 20 pack-year history by smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.2
Will this study impact my planned lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan)?
No. This study will not impact your planned lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan). Please talk with your local medical team if you have questions about your lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan).

This research study is considered a prospective sample-collection study. This means that Walgreens and Freenome are working together to find volunteers, like yourself, who already plan to complete a lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) as part of the standard of care recommended to you by your doctor. As a volunteer joining this study, you agree to donate your time, medical and lifestyle history, blood sample and screening lung cancer test (chest CT scan) results to help create a simple blood-based test. This test may be used in the future for early lung cancer screening.
What is an Informed Consent Form?

This form is something that all study volunteers must sign before joining a research study. The form provides the information needed in order to make a choice about joining a research study.

The form outlines information about the study. It identifies study related activities and their risks/benefits. It also points out that study participation is voluntary and can be stopped at any time.
Can I stop being in the study?
Yes. Joining a clinical research study is voluntary. You can decide to stop participating in the study at any time.

To stop participation in the study, you will need to contact the study team by telephone. Please call us Monday through Friday, between 8am-8pm EST, toll free at 1-855-371-0483 or email the study team at clinical-trials@walgreens.com. You will need to let the study team know that you no longer wish to be a part of the study. You do not need to give a reason why you want to stop participating.

It is possible that you may be asked to stop study participation. This would happen if the study team believes it is in your best interest, if you do not follow the study rules, or if the study is stopped.
Who can I contact if I need assistance navigating and completing questions on the online participant portal?
Please contact a member of the research study team Monday through Friday, between 8am-8pm EST, toll free at 1-855-371-0483 and let them know you need help with the Walgreens & Freenome PROACT LUNG study.
When and how will I be paid?
Study participants will be paid three times via electronic gift card for their time and effort:
- First, for the confirmed completion of the Enrollment visit, which includes the at-home blood draw and baseline lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) ($100)

- Second, for confirmed completion of the follow-up 12-month lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) and updated health/lifestyle information ($75)

- Third, for confirmed completion of the follow-up 24-month lung cancer screening test (chest CT scan) and updated health/lifestyle information ($75)

Payments will be sent via email in the form of an electronic Visa® reward card to the email you provide in the participant portal.
What if I am not comfortable with someone from Portamedic coming to my home to draw blood?
If you are not comfortable with a mobile phlebotomist from Portamedic coming to your home for the required blood draw, you and a member of the Portamedic team can agree on another location to complete the blood draw.

For example, you may feel more comfortable at a family member’s/friend’s home or a local Walgreens location.

The purpose of the at-home blood draw service is to help meet study participants where they are, and to reduce the time spent on study participation. We greatly value your interest in the study, and we want to make sure you feel comfortable if you decide to join the study.
In the event that my blood draw needs to be collected again, will I be paid a second time?
Yes. You will receive another electronic gift card payment of $75 for your time and effort if your blood draw needs to be repeated.
Is the study information available in Spanish?
Yes! All study information is available in Spanish.

Walgreens and Freenome value your interest in the study. It is important to us that you have what you need to understand the study and to make an informed decision. Community representation in clinical research is key in improving medicine for all.
How can I refer a friends or family members?
Spreading awareness and education about lung cancer and the importance of screening is necessary for people that have a smoking history can be lifesaving. Early detection of lung cancer saves lives.

Please share the link below if you know someone that should get screened!

https://mywalgreenstrials.com/lung-refer
Where can I learn more about Freenome and their mission to fight lung cancer?
Please visit the following link to learn more:

https://www.freenome.com
Information to share with your provider.

References:

(1) US Preventive Services Taskforce. (2021, March 9). Lung cancer: Screening. Recommendation: Lung Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening

(2) Who should be screened for lung cancer? (2023) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/screening.htm (Accessed: 06 December 2023).

(3) Association, A.L. (no date) New report: Critically low lung cancer screening rates reveal opportunity to save more lives, American Lung Association. Available at: https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/state-of-lung-cancer-2022 (Accessed: 06 December 2023).

(4) professional, C.C. medical (no date) Lung cancer: Types, stages, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment, Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer (Accessed: 06 December 2023).

(5) Radiology (ACR), R. S. of N. A. (RSNA) and A. C. of. (2020). Computed Tomography (CT) - Chest. Radiologyinfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/chestct

(6) Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 13). CT Scan (Computed Tomography): What is It, Preparation & Test Details. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4808-ct-computed-tomography-scan

(7) Is lung cancer screening covered under your insurance?(n.d.). https://www.lung.org/getmedia/36bf8cc4-4878-4289-969e-ee6b8b112e2a/lung-cancer-insurance-chart.pdf

(8) 1 SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Lung and Bronchus Cancer. National Cancer Institute website. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html. Accessed July. 26, 2024.