AMA resolution backs expanded low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer, heart risk
A new resolution backed by the American College of Radiology is calling on the American Medical Association to increase national awareness and use of low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening and coronary calcium scoring. Radiology Business spoke with ACR CEO Dana Smetherman, MD, MBA, MPH, about the new policy in this video interview.
The resolution adopted at the recent AMA House of Delegates meeting urges more robust promotion of low-dose CT as a public health tool, particularly for high-risk patients with a history of smoking. It also seeks to expand public and provider education around the benefits of early detection, not just of lung cancer, but also coronary artery disease, which can be performed together using the same scan.
"We've had lots of different efforts where we have tried to increase awareness of lung cancer screening, including a national, and we hope soon international lung cancer screening day in November, to just throw the doors open on a Saturday and have patients come in. So this resolution I think is very important," Smetherman explained.
While lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, fewer than 6% of eligible patients receive low-dose CT scans. The screening, which delivers significantly less radiation than standard CT, can detect small lung nodules before symptoms appear. Studies such as the National Lung Screening Trial have shown that low-dose CT can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20%.
The ACR also is launching new initiatives to complement the resolution. Smetherman highlighted a recently awarded grant to expand the organization’s early lung cancer registry to include more incidental findings. The goal is to track and analyze lung nodules found during routine CT scans, not just those discovered through formal CT screening.
"A lot of nodules and lung cancers are actually found incidentally. If someone is having a CT scan for some other reason that gets a portion of the lungs, they can see a nodule. This new grant that we got is going to let us expand our current lung cancer registry ... Our hope is that we're going to be able to capture more of those incidental pulmonary nodules that are found," Smetherman said.
In recent years, many hospitals have taken the lead in offering low-cost or free low-dose CT screenings as a gateway to preventive care. Some health systems have used these programs to help re-engage high-risk patients and build long-term healthcare relationships, because as critical findings are found in these CT scans, the patients become repeat customers for future imaging and treatment.
The AMA resolution supports a more coordinated, national effort. It calls for public awareness campaigns, broader physician education, and greater access to low-dose CT across healthcare settings.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]