Smoking rates are down nationally, which is great for those working to lower the number of people getting lung cancer. But the news could be even better. A recent study found that one tool in the physician’s toolbox — talking to patients about lung cancer screenings — doesn’t seem to be having any impact on smokers.

University of Florida researchers expected to find that if patients who smoke talk about screenings with their physicians, they would be more motivated to quit. However, the study found these discussions did not change the smokers’ behavior or their interest in being screened.

The findings show that lung cancer screenings are underused and not reaching the smokers who would benefit the most from them. Patients who are at a high risk of developing lung cancer are those who have a history of heavy smoking, either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between the age 55 and 77 years old.

Other smokers are considered at a lower risk and are not eligible for lung cancer screenings.

The study found the rates of screening discussions fell between 2012 to 2017, in the years that followed a national event promoting lung cancer screenings.

Some significant variations in how often the screening discussions take place also emerged. Among current smokers, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, patients covered by insurance and those who have been diagnosed with heart or lung disease were more likely to discuss lung cancer screening with their physicians.

The researchers urged physicians not to stop discussing screenings with patients but to develop other communication strategies. Persistence sometimes can pay off.