Press Releases
ATLANTA, Nov. 9, 2023 – On the heels of American Cancer Society’s (ACS) updated lung cancer screening guideline, the ACS National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT) launches the second Annual National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Saturday, November 11, 2023. To maximize awareness, ACS NLCRT has partnered with the American College of Radiology® (ACR®), Radiology Health Equity Coalition (RHEC), GO2 for Lung Cancer, and the Veterans Administration.
Each year during National Lung Cancer Screening Day, facilities across the country open their doors the second Saturday of November to offer low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening to the public. On this day, individuals who have already been referred by their doctors for LDCT are given access to lung cancer screening without having to take a day off work, thereby increasing the accessibility of screening overall.
“We’re grateful to all of our partners and the hundreds of facilities that will be opening their doors on Saturday to offer lung cancer screenings to Veterans and the public at large,” said Dr. Ella A. Kazerooni, chair of the ACS National Lung Cancer Roundtable. “This day also serves to increase awareness of early detection and to remind people to check with their doctors about getting screened.”
Earlier this month, ACS updated its lung cancer screening guideline expanding the age range for eligibility and lowering the requirement for pack-year history of smoking. The updated guideline also eliminates the previous ‘years since quitting’ requirement.
Lung cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Research shows annual screening with LDCT scans reduces lung cancer deaths by up to 20%, but only about 6% of eligible Americans get screened. Low adherence can be attributed to difficulty navigating the healthcare system and stigma associated with lung cancer – especially among people who currently or used to smoke.
Nearly 700 facilities will participate in the one-day event including 115 Veteran Administration sites. This initiative hopes to reduce disparities related to access, especially for workers earning less than $15/hour who have paid leave or are eligible for FMLA protections but are often faced with repercussions for taking time off.
To sign up and find a screening facility near you, head to NLCRT’s website where you will find a sign up and screening locator link. Click here to get started.
Established in 2017, the ACS NLCRT is a national coalition of over 225 multidisciplinary member organizations and 220 invited individuals dedicated to reducing lung cancer incidence and mortality in the United States through coordinated leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, and action.
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About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.