National Jewish Health Named Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence

National Jewish Health has been selected as a Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance. The designation signifies that the National Jewish Health program implements screening in a safe, responsible, effective and equitable manner.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and the second leading cause of all deaths in the United States. Recent research shows lung cancer screening can save lives when carried out responsibly and following current best practices.

“This listing lets patients know that National Jewish Health meets and exceeds all safety requirements for lung cancer screening,” said Debra Dyer, MD, department head, Division of Radiology at National Jewish Health. “Lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT can identify cancer sooner, allowing earlier intervention to prevent deaths. National Jewish health has a team of dedicated subspecialty trained cardiothoracic radiologists with extensive experience and skill in chest CT interpretation and lung nodule management.”

The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) reported 20 percent fewer deaths from lung cancer among people at high risk of developing the disease who were screened with low-dose helical (spiral) CT compared to those screened with chest X-rays. Using these CT scans, researchers were able to find lung cancer at an early stage. When the disease is found early, patients have more treatment options, and are more likely to survive longer.

As a “Center of Excellence” National Jewish Health adheres to providing clear information on the risks and benefits of CT screening, complies with standards on the most up-to–date, published best practices for managing screening quality, radiation dose and diagnostic procedures.

Additionally, National Jewish Health works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of radiologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, oncologists, and nurses needed to conduct and evaluate lung cancer screening, diagnosis and care. Learn more about cancer care at National Jewish Health.