Nova Scotia Introduces Lung Cancer Screening Program

  Nova Scotia Introduces Lung Cancer Screening Program

Nova Scotia has just launched a program to screen people at a high risk of developing lung cancer, marking a significant milestone for Dr. Daria Manos.

During a news conference in Halifax on Friday, she expressed the importance of this program, emphasizing that lung cancer claims more lives in Nova Scotia than colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined. As a radiologist and the medical director of the lung screening program, Dr. Manos revealed that this news is the result of years of research, consultation, planning, and advocacy.

The program involves clinical assessments and CT scans, targeting Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 who have smoked daily for 20 years or more. These individuals can contact the program directly to have a nurse assess their personal risk of lung cancer and determine if a chest CT scan is beneficial. Importantly, people can refer themselves to the program and do not require a family doctor.

Dr. Madelaine Plourde, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Nova Scotia Health, stressed the critical nature of early detection for a positive outcome in lung cancer cases. Survival rates can exceed 80 percent for those diagnosed at Stage 1, dropping to just eight percent at Stage 4. Unfortunately, a large portion of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting their chances for curative treatment.

The program not only focuses on screening but also addresses the stigma associated with smoking and lung cancer. It includes education on lung health, support, and resources to help individuals quit smoking, offering free nicotine replacement therapy.

Kendra Slawter, a patient advocate who has lost four family members to cancer in the last decade, appreciates the inclusion of education in the program. She hopes it can spare others from the pain her family has endured and acknowledges the challenges some face in making lifestyle changes.

Health Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the timing of the program's launch, citing advocacy work and professional expertise that have pushed for its implementation. The program is seen as a crucial step in improving cancer screening and care to ultimately save lives.

This announcement follows recent initiatives to enhance cancer care in Nova Scotia, including funding for new therapies, treatments, and the expansion of technology for more personalized treatment options. The province currently has the highest cancer incidence rate in the country, attributed to factors such as aging demographics, environmental considerations, and lifestyle choices.

Dr. Helmut Hollenhorst, Senior Medical Director of the province's cancer care program, stressed the need for increased focus on prevention. He estimates that a significant percentage of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle choices, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, avoiding smoking and drinking, and being mindful of environmental factors.

The lung screening program is currently available in the central health zone, with plans for a gradual rollout across the province over the next two years. The provincial government will allocate $3 million annually to the program once fully implemented. The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has contributed $350,000 to the program and committed nearly $1 million over the next three years to develop strategies for reaching diverse and vulnerable populations.

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