Lung Cancer: Leveling the Screening Field
The team at Rochester Regional Health (originally led by Susan Jackson, PA-C, and now by Danielle Orsini, PA-C) are working to make lung cancer screening more accessible for patients in the Fingers Lakes region of New York, particularly for those who are historically underrepresented in the early detection patient population.
The Lung Cancer Screening Program aims to educate PAs, other clinicians, and students on the United States Preventive Task Force’s lung cancer screening recommendations as well as barriers to screenings.
Jackson shared, “Early detection is a major contributing factor to decreasing morbidity rates of patients with lung cancer. This program will increase the number of community members who are aware of, and utilize, this service.”
Through increased awareness and education, the goal is to facilitate an increase in lung cancer screenings across the health system during the program’s first year.
This PA-led initiative will leverage partnerships with the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association as well as with local primary care and other providers in a shared effort to foster life-saving early detection.
The Health Foundation is glad to support this initiative that seeks to make lunch cancer screening more accessible.