Lung cancer screening in Canada: Companion resource (2018)

October 1, 2018

Review this resource from October 2018 that is for jurisdictions considering the implementation of a lung cancer screening program

This companion resource from 2018 outlines considerations for jurisdictions which may implement a lung cancer screening program. This document also increases the reach of the work that the Pan-Canadian Lung Cancer Screening Network (PLCSN) has done on lung cancer screening to date.

This resource highlights key messages from three reports previously developed by the PLCSN:

1. 5-Year Questions Report, which outlines important questions to have answered in five years for comparing approaches related to future lung screening delivery
2. National Data Working Group Report, which reviews three options for a national-level lung cancer screening database, including each option’s advantages, limitations and characteristics
3. National Lung Cancer Screening Quality Indicators Report, which outlines ten national-level quality indicators for organized lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Canada, and the most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 14 per cent of all cancers. While the death rate from lung cancer has been decreasing over several decades, smoking stays the most important risk factor for this type of cancer. Both primary and secondary prevention strategies are needed to reduce lung cancer’s burden.

Lung cancer accounts for 14% of all cancers

A national forum, the PLCSN supports Canadian initiatives that inform discussions and decisions around lung cancer screening, leverage expertise and make evidence-based recommendations for cancer control. The PLCSN’s objectives include sharing and facilitating the use of best practices to enhance screening’s benefits and reduce its harms, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current lung cancer screening initiatives both nationally and internationally.

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