Vancouver, B.C. — BC Cancer is launching the first province-wide lung cancer screening program in Canada today, providing access to eligible high-risk people at 36 sites throughout the province.
In 2020 BC Cancer’s expert team, led by Dr. Stephen Lam, endeavored to develop a dedicated, provincial lung cancer screening system. Donors responded with a remarkable $1.93 million in support for start-up costs and equipment.
At that time, only BC Cancer – Vancouver was equipped to read low-dose CT (LDCT) scans. Now, thanks to generous donor support, this life-saving tool will be available in 36 sites across the province.
The Lung Screening Program expects to screen nearly 10,000 patients in the first year of the program, with this number expected to increase by approximately 15% per year. It is estimated the program will diagnose approximately 150 lung cancer cases annually, with more than 75% of these diagnosed at an earlier stage than without screening.
Without our incredible community of donors, this would not have been possible. Together, we are finding solutions for our families, our friends and our communities and giving them hope for a better future — free from cancer.
Thank you for being a part of this important work.
For more details, please see the press release here.
