BC Cancer is excited to launch the Lung Screening Program
Dear Colleague,
We are very excited to announce that BC Cancer has officially launched the first province-wide lung screening program for high-risk individuals in the country. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada and worldwide. In B.C., seven people die of lung cancer every day. With 70 per cent of all cases diagnosed at an advanced stage, the Lung Screening Program aims to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective.
Lung screening involves a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs. To learn more about the Lung Screening Program and to access program resources for you and your patients, please visit the Health Professionals page on BC Cancer’s website: www.screeningbc.ca/health-professionals.
Who is eligible for lung screening?
Lung screening is best for those who are at high-risk for lung cancer and who are not experiencing any symptoms. This includes people who are:
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55 to 74 years of age;
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Currently smoking or have previously smoked; and,
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Have a smoking history of 20 years or more.
Interested individuals can self-refer directly to the screening program. Primary care providers can encourage eligible patients to call the Lung Screening Program (1-877-717-5864) to complete a risk assessment over the phone to confirm their screening eligibility. A fax referral option is also available (referral form accessible through the above Health Professionals link).
Role of primary care providers
Primary care providers play an important role in the Lung Screening Program, including:
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Supporting patients with their decision making, and recommending lung screening when appropriate;
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Providing smoking cessation pharmacotherapy support; and,
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Providing follow-up for incidental findings and support for abnormal results.
We encourage primary care providers to invite eligible participants to screen through the organized lung screening program, rather than through ad-hoc referrals for diagnostic lung CT scans. By participating in the program, participants will be referred appropriately for follow-up and receive recall notices when they are next due.
We look forward to your participation and support with the Lung Screening Program. If you have questions or comments about the program, please contact Joanne Solmundson at joanne.solmundson@bccancer.bc.ca.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Lam, Medical Director
BC Cancer Lung Screening
Janette Sam, Operations Director
BC Cancer Lung Screening
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