Launching of Lung Screening Program

  Launching of Lung Screening Program

A new program is here to make a real difference by detecting lung cancer early and ultimately saving lives.

The Lung Screening Program is designed to identify individuals at a very high risk of developing lung cancer. This initiative combines clinical assessment with computerized tomography (CT) scans. The target demographic includes Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 who have smoked daily for at least 20 years at some point in their lives. By reaching out to the program, they can have a nurse assess their personal risk of lung cancer. Depending on the assessment, individuals may be recommended for a chest CT scan.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Michelle Thompson, emphasized the importance of improving cancer screening and care as part of overall healthcare enhancement. The Lung Screening Program is a crucial addition to cancer care services, aiming to prevent or detect cancers earlier, resulting in improved outcomes and, ultimately, saving lives.

In addition to screening, the program provides valuable information about lung health and offers support to those looking to quit smoking. Smoking cessation is a key aspect of the program, recognizing the addictive nature of smoking and its impact on lung health.

For those interested in the Lung Screening Program, it is currently available in the central health zone, covering Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants. Individuals can reach out by calling 1-833-505-LUNG (5864). The program will gradually expand across the province over the next two years.

The initiative aligns with recent improvements in cancer care services in Nova Scotia. Increased funding for community oncology clinics aims to provide care closer to home for more people. Better communication between oncology providers and patients has been established to enhance care, reduce wait times, and achieve better results. The introduction of the Ethos radiotherapy system with HyperSight imaging is a groundbreaking development, reducing the average number of treatments from 20 to just five. Additionally, a new 10-year partnership with Varian promises to make Nova Scotians among the first in the world to access new oncology technology and innovative programs.

Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst, Senior Medical Director of Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program, emphasized the significance of the Lung Screening Program in changing the landscape of lung cancer in the province. By shifting the focus from late-stage diagnoses to early detection, the program aims to transform the conversation around lung health.

Dr. Daria Manos, radiologist and Medical Director of the Nova Scotia Health Lung Screening Program, stressed the importance of combining lung cancer screening with smoking cessation efforts. Recognizing smoking as a powerful addiction that often starts before the age of 18, the program aims to help Nova Scotians prevent lung cancer or detect it as early as possible for more effective treatment.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer commended Nova Scotia for implementing a provincewide lung cancer screening program. Recognizing lung cancer screening as a priority initiative, the partnership pledged to continue working with partners to ensure equitable access to care and improve cancer outcomes for all Canadians.

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