Delaware Becomes the First State to Hold Statewide Lung Cancer Screening Event
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has partnered with hospitals and imaging facilities across Delaware to present National Lung Cancer Screening Day (NLCSD) as a statewide event. This Saturday, November 11th, representatives from the Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control within the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will be on-site at several imaging facilities. Delaware is the first state to have all the health systems and major imaging facilities formally collaborate to support lung cancer screening and open weekend hours to address screening barriers for those that can’t make it Monday through Friday. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is estimated to claim the lives of over 127,000 Americans this year. According to the latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware report, lung and bronchus cancer was the leading cause of death from cancer in the First State in 2016-2020. Cancer Prevention and Control Bureau Chief Dawn Hollinger says by increasing awareness and providing access to screenings, we aim to save lives by detecting lung cancer at its earliest stages when treatment options are most effective.
Additional Information from the Delaware Division of Public Health:
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is estimated to claim the lives of over 127,000 Americans this year. According to the latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware report, lung and bronchus cancer was the leading cause of death from cancer in the First State (38.4 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016-2020. Lung and bronchus cancer are also the third most common type of cancer (56.9 cases per 100,000 population) following prostate and female breast cancer. Only a small percentage of individuals get recommended screening tests, and 1 in 10 people at higher risk get screened nationwide.
The partnership with ACS asks that healthcare providers open their doors on the second Saturday in November for low-dose CT lung screenings (LDCT). By opening on a Saturday, individuals who have already been referred for LDCT can access screening without having to take a day off work. It will also raise awareness among those in the community who may not know about early detection of lung cancer.
“We are excited to help host Lung Cancer Screening Day and bring together the community to prioritize lung health,” said Cancer Prevention and Control Bureau Chief Dawn Hollinger. “By increasing awareness and providing access to screenings, we aim to save lives by detecting lung cancer at its earliest stages when treatment options are most effective.”
LDCT screenings are quick, painless and can help save lives. The following locations offer lung cancer screenings to Delawareans during National LCS Day:
- Bayhealth
302-744-7060 (Kent County)
302-430-5707 (Sussex County)
- Beebe Healthcare
302-645-3278
- ChristianaCare
302-623-0552
www.christianacare.org/lung-screenings
- Delaware Imaging Network
877-990-2121
www.delawareimagingnetwork.com
- TidalHealth
410-543-7006
For more locations, visit the Lung Cancer Screening Locator Tool at https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Resources/LCS-Locator-Tool.
To participate in National Lung Cancer Screening Day in Delaware, individuals are encouraged to contact their local healthcare provider to determine their eligibility and schedule an appointment. It is important to note that screening eligibility criteria may vary, but generally include individuals aged 55 to 80 who have a history of smoking or exposure to environmental risk factors.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Day aims to stimulate screening across the board. Health systems, clinicians and patients are encouraged to make lung cancer screening a year-round priority rather than waiting until November. For more information, visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/individuals/cancer/lung#intro or https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html.
