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National Center for Lung Cancer Screening (NCLCS)

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Lung 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.

This innovation is scaling widely with the support of national stakeholders. See more scaling innovations.

Awards and Recognition:

Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice, VHA Shark Tank Winner

Partners:

Diffusion of Excellence, Health Services Research & Development, VHA Innovators Network

Contact Team

Overview

Problem

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths for Veterans. VA diagnoses and treats 8,000 Veterans with lung cancer annually, and approximately 5,000 Veterans die from lung cancer every year. Lung cancer is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages when it is much harder to treat and cure. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5% for stage IV lung c ... See more

Videos

The Facts About Lung Cancer Screening

Solution

Veterans who are 50-80 years old and currently smoke cigarettes or have smoked within 15 years should talk to their doctor about lung cancer screening. The screening consists of an annual low dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This scan requires lying down on a table where an x-ray machine takes detailed images of the lungs using minimal radiation. The scan ... See more

Links

Results

Our approach to lung cancer screening has increased systematic and equitable access to lung cancer screening processes and led to a high adherence rate to follow-up recommendations. The impact of shifting from diagnosing lung cancer in late stages, which carries a high mortality rate, to early-stage lung cancer, which is curable, is significant in the lives ... See more

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
  • Center will support staff implementing lung cancer screening.

Links

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.

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Comment

Comments and replies are disabled for retired innovations and non-VA users.

VA User (Innovation Specialist) posted

Proud of this group! You have accomplished a lot since Basecamp!

VA User (Chief, Radiology) Innovation adopter posted

This is a good program ripe for "positive dissemination" and for leveraging/improving AI supporting applications in early detection of lung cancer.

VA User (FFS Physician) posted

VISN 19 should follow this lead.

VA User (Staff Physician) posted

Great idea and much needed service. Thank you!

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About

Origin story

In 2013, VAPORHCS started lung cancer screening as part of a VA sponsored pilot program that included seven other VA facilities. By 2017, based on guidelines from national organizations and the pilot programs, the VA issued a 10N memorandum requiring 8 components for lung cancer screening. Incorporating these components with years of experience, VAPORHCS sys ... In 2013, VAPORHCS started lung cancer screening as part of a VA sponsored pilot program that included seven other VA facilities. By 2017, based on guidelines from national organizations and the pilot programs, the VA issued a 10N memorandum requiring 8 components for lung cancer screening. Incorporating these components with years of experience, VAPORHCS systematically built a high-uptake, high-adherence, modest cost Centralized Lung Cancer Screening Program.

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