Lung Screening Program Launches

 

A groundbreaking new screening program is poised to have a profound impact on saving lives by proactively preventing lung cancer and identifying it at earlier, more treatable stages.

The Lung Screening Program, incorporating clinical assessment and computerized tomography (CT) scans, aims to focus on individuals at a high risk of developing lung cancer. Additionally, the program provides crucial information about lung health and extends support to those seeking assistance to quit smoking.

Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson underscored the significance of such initiatives, expressing, “Cancer touches every Nova Scotian in one way or another, either directly or through friends, family, or community members. Fixing healthcare includes improving cancer screening and care. The Lung Screening Program is the latest of many changes across our cancer care services that will help prevent or find cancers earlier, improve outcomes and save lives.”

Individuals in the age group of 50 to 74 from Nova Scotia, with a history of daily smoking for 20 years or more at any point in their lives, are encouraged to reach out to the program. A nurse will conduct a personalized assessment of their lung cancer risk to determine if they would benefit from screening through a chest CT scan.

Participants in the program will not only receive information regarding lung health but, if applicable, will also gain access to smoking cessation support. Currently available in the central health zone, covering Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants, the Lung Screening Program can be contacted through a hotline at 1-833-505-LUNG (5864). Plans are underway to gradually introduce the program across the province over the next two years.

Recent strides in cancer care in Nova Scotia encompass increased funding for community oncology clinics, fostering more accessible care closer to home. Improved communication channels between oncology providers and patients have been established, resulting in enhanced care, reduced wait times, and improved outcomes. The introduction of the Ethos radiotherapy system with HyperSight imaging, reducing the average number of treatments from 20 to five, stands out as another noteworthy advancement. Additionally, a new decade-long partnership with Varian aims to position Nova Scotians among the first globally to access new oncology technology and innovative programs.

Dr. Craig Earle, CEO of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, lauded Nova Scotia for implementing a provincewide lung cancer screening program and promoting smoking cessation services. He emphasized that screening high-risk individuals will contribute significantly to detecting lung cancer early and ultimately saving lives. Lung cancer screening remains a priority initiative in the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, with the partnership continuing to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure equitable access to care and improve cancer outcomes for all Canadians.

Quick Facts:

- The government plans to invest approximately $3 million annually in the Lung Screening Program once fully implemented across the province.

- Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer deaths in Nova Scotia, with around 1,000 Nova Scotians diagnosed and 700 succumbing to the disease annually.

- Nova Scotia has existing screening programs for colon, cervical, and breast cancers.

- The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has made a substantial contribution of $350,000 to the Lung Screening Program and committed nearly $1 million over the next three years to developing equity-enhancing strategies for reaching diverse and vulnerable populations.

Queries

screening for lung cancer

lung cancer screening uspstf

low dose lung cancer screening

boba candy

low dose ct scan lung cancer screening