Last updated
National Center for Lung Cancer Screening (NCLCS)
Share PrintLung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the United States. We estimate that 1 - 2 million Veterans have an elevated risk of developing lung cancer and may be eligible for lung cancer screening using annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. The National Center for Lung Cancer Screening supports systematic, integrated, and equitable access to high-quality lung cancer screening processes for Veterans. The vision of the Center is to reduce lung cancer morbidity and mortality by leveraging a learning health care system to sustainably increase access to evidence-based lung cancer screening processes that are effective, equitable, safe, and efficient.
Origin:
October 2013, Brooklyn VA Medical Center, Charleston VA Clinic (North Charleston City Hall Lane), Cincinnati VA Medical Center (Cincinnati, Ohio), Durham VA Medical Center, Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center (Ann Arbor), Minneapolis VA Medical Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Portland VA Medical Center (Portland, Oregon), San Francisco VA Medical Center
Awards and Recognition:
Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice, VHA Shark Tank Winner
Partners:
Diffusion of Excellence, Health Services Research & Development, VHA Innovators Network
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
Videos
The Facts About Lung Cancer Screening
Solution
VHA recommends offering annual screenings for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography to adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 or more pack-year history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years and have a life expectancy of more than 5 years. A dedicated Lung Cancer Screening team navigates patients through the Lung Cancer Screening Program to ensure adherence to follow-up recommendations and to minimize burden for primary care providers.
We will follow guidelines regarding high-quality lung cancer screening programs that have been developed by the Veterans Health Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), and American Thoracic Society (ATS).
These core elements were delineated by the ACCP/ATS as the following:
• Eligibility Consistent with Guidelines
• Structured Frequency & Duration of Screening
• Use of Low-Dose Computed Tomography
• Nodule Size Threshold & Data Collection
• Structured Reporting System (e.g. Lung-RADS)
• Lung Nodule Management Algorithm
• Integrated Smoking Cessation
• Patient and Provider Education
• Program Data Collection and Utilization See more
Links
- Lung Cancer Screening National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- USPSTF Recommends Lung Cancer Screening U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Results
Images
“I just want to thank the VA health care system. Recently was scheduled for lung cancer screening. To my surprise they found it and removed the upper lobe of my right lung. I thank God this screening is being used to detect cancer early.”
Metrics
- Veterans Eligible
- Veterans Offered
- Veterans received LDCT
- Adherence to LungRADS who received LDCT
- Number of facilities who provide LDCT
Multimedia
Images
National Center for Lung Cancer Screening Logo
Implementation
Departments
- Cancer care
- Radiology
- Nursing services
- Primary care
- Pulmonary medicine
- Surgical oncology
- Thoracic surgery
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
Links
- Find implementation and education materials. Please note that a valid VA email address is required to access these materials. National Center for Lung Cancer Screening Sharepoint
Risks and mitigations
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Lung cancer screening CT scans with no systematic program: Low Quality, Low Uptake, Low Adherence and High Burden on PCPs and Radiology. | Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program: High Quality, High Uptake, High Adherence, Cost Efficient |
| Lack of funding especially in rural areas. | Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program helps alleviate the FTE burden in rural areas. |
Contact
Comment
Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.
Email VHANCLCSQA@va.gov with questions about this innovation.
About
Origin story
Original team
Dr. Christopher Slatore
Pulmonary
Dr. John Gorman
Radiology
Dr. Kristina Crothers
Pulmonary
Dr. Mark Deffebach
Pulmonary
Kimberly Curlin, MN, FNP-BC
VISN 20 Centralized Lung Cancer Screening
Desiree Tyson, Program Specialist
VISN 20 Centralized Lung Cancer Screening
Proud of this group! You have accomplished a lot since Basecamp!
This is a good program ripe for "positive dissemination" and for leveraging/improving AI supporting applications in early detection of lung cancer.
Thank you Dr. Tigaieru, AI supporting applications in early detection of lung cancer is so exciting and agreed a Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program is good for leveraging and disseminating. Please let us know if we can be of any help in VISN 7.
VISN 19 should follow this lead.
Thank you Dr. Sheya, a Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program in VISN 19 could help your smaller/rural sites offer high-quality lung cancer screening without taking on the FTE burden. If we can be of any help please let us know.
Great idea and much needed service. Thank you!