Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown have been designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Emory Imaging Center at LaGrange received its ACR designation as a Lung Cancer Screening Center in August. The voluntary program recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
 
According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. With this known statistic, in Dec. 2013, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screenings of adults aged 55 to 80 years of age who have a 30 pack-year smoking history (packs per day x total years smoked = pack-years) and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years. Research shows that lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduce lung cancer deaths.
 
"We are very pleased to have received this elite designation in the radiology departments at both Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown," says William Auffermann, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiology, Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Emory University School of Medicine. "We feel our lung cancer screening program will provide much needed access to screening for this high risk population."
 
In order to receive the distinction of a Lung Cancer Screening Center, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in the chest CT module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Procedures must also be in place for patient education, smoking cessation counseling, as well as patient care navigation and tracking.
 
"This accreditation is a crucial step in providing specialized lung screening that can identify lung cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage," says Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute and a nationally recognized lung cancer investigator.
 
Both Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital have applied for the ACR’s Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, and are awaiting notification. Low-dose CT scans are available at these two sites for current or former smokers who meet the criteria.
 
Other Emory Healthcare clinic locations offering low-dose CT scans include: Emory Imaging Center at Northlake, Emory Imaging Center at McDonough and Emory Imaging Center at Buford.
 
For more information about lung cancer screening at Emory Healthcare visit emoryhealthcare.org.
 
Founded in 1924, the ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit acr.org.