LCA National Framework for Lung Screening Excellence and Continuum of Care Welcomes 17 More Centers to Roster of over 100 Medical Facilities Offering Best Practices
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), reiterated its strong support for low dose CT screening of high risk populations. Such screening can detect lung cancer at its earliest most treatable stage. Lung Cancer Alliance urged medical professionals, researchers, public health, public policy, and industry leaders to join its current efforts to translate the science into life saving benefit, responsibly, safely and cost-effectively.
LCA expressed this support in light of a recently released study that it believes is unduly pessimistic and could cause confusion among the at risk public and delay efforts to bring this life saving benefit to those at risk for lung cancer.
"Scientific debates are not new, especially when it comes to interpreting statistics about the benefits of screening," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, President and CEO of Lung Cancer Alliance. "This study seems to underplay benefit and overplay harm."
"Consider mammograms for breast cancer," she continued, "which faced enormous opposition for decades and continues to see heated debate surrounding screening for women under the age of 50. Despite the debate, mammography is being provided and has been a primary contributor to the improved survival rates for breast cancer-which stand at 89%."
Fenton Ambrose continued, "It is time to move beyond scientific debate to implementation for lung cancer screening. Other respected medical societies have analyzed the data and taken a more positive supportive approach. In addition, medical centers across this country have also moved thoughtfully to institute quality screening programs. They understand that this is the right thing to do and can be done effectively, while minimizing risk and maximizing benefit."
In 2010, the National Cancer Institute halted its National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), one of the largest and most expensive randomized controlled screening trials ever conducted, when it showed a significant mortality benefit in a high risk population. In 2011, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) released its comprehensive lung screening clinical guidelines. In 2012, Lung Cancer Alliance launched the first of a kind National Framework for Lung Screening Excellence and its Continuum of Care, guidance for both at risk consumers and medical centers offering responsible care.
Today, over 100 sites have now committed to providing clear information based on the principles of the National Framework and on current evidence of who is a candidate for lung cancer screening. These sites are complying with the comprehensive standards based on both the NCCN and International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) guidelines for controlling screening quality, radiation dose and diagnostic procedures within an experienced, multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
New sites being added to today to LCA's www.screenforlungcancer.org website include:
Baptist Hospital East, Louisville KY
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond VA
Mary Washington Healthcare, Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg VA
Trident Medical Center, Charleston SC
Summit Medical Center, Hermitage, TN
Cleveland Clinic-Chest Cancer Center, Cleveland OH
Middlesex Cancer Center, Middletown CT
Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle WA
Cancer Center of Putnam, Palatka FL
Orange Park Cancer Center, Orange Park, FL
Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville KY
Centennial Medical Center, Nashville TN
Skyline Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Southside Cancer Center, Jacksonville FL
Mercy Medical Center, Rockville Centre, NY
Southern Hills Medical Center, Nashville TN
Stone Crest Medical Center, Smyrna TN
Fenton Ambrose concluded, "As a national advocacy organization committed to the well being of tens of thousands of people at high risk for this lethal disease, we are committed working with those interested in advancing benefits for the lung cancer community in a positive, supportive and responsible way."
Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), www.lungcanceralliance.org, is committed to ending injustice and saving lives through an alliance of advocacy, education and support. LCA provides live, real time support, referral and information services for patients, their loved ones and those at risk for lung cancer; conducts national awareness campaigns; and advocates for multiple millions in public health dollars for lung cancer research.
Follow Lung Cancer Alliance on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lungcanceralliance. Follow us on Twitter: @LCAorg.
Media Contact:
Kay Cofrancesco
kay@lungcanceralliance.org
202.742.1422
SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance
