National Jewish Health Earns ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Designation

National Jewish Health has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, and undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

“Becoming an ACR Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center is special achievement, which recognizes the advanced imaging capabilities at NJH and our clinical expertise in lung cancer screening CT,” said Debra Dyer, MD, head of the Division of Radiology at National Jewish Health. “Several National Jewish Health physicians have national leadership roles in lung cancer screening.”

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, coupled with appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit the ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center.