RadNet has joined for-profit hospital giant HCA in a consortium of companies hoping to address woefully inadequate cancer screening rates.

Healthcare stakeholders recently launched the Florida Lung Health Coalition, with just 3% of eligible residents currently receiving lifesaving low-dose CT scans. Those involved include Johnson & Johnson and the Sunshine State’s largest hospital system, HCA Florida; largest robotic surgical equipment manufacturer, Intuitive; and its largest foundation committed to this cause, GO2 for Lung Cancer.  

“RadNet is teaming with FLHC to accelerate the uptake and adherence of lung disease screening in Florida,” the state’s largest outpatient radiology provider said in a June 26 announcement about the partnership. “RadNet will leverage its state-of-the-art technology, including the application of artificial intelligence, to drive more accurate, and early, detection.”

Those involved estimate that there are 1 million eligible lung cancer screening candidates in Florida, which also is home to the most retirees in America. Its 3% uptake of LDCT is half of the U.S. average of 6%, and the coalition hopes to increase this number to 30% by 203o. Members also held a “launch symposium” on June 10 with a keynote speech from Catharine Young, PhD, assistant director of engagement for the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Others involved include the American College of Radiology, the Radiology Health Equity Coalition, the Surgical Training Institute, the Lungevity Foundation, and drug company AstraZeneca.

“FLHC sponsors are companies that that are deeply committed to lung health, such as those in the pharmaceutical and med-tech industries, and they support our state-of-the-art screening process and outreach activities,” the coalition said on its website.