Changing Failing Grades for Lung Cancer Screening Removing Barriers to Screening Can Save Lives

HOST: Hildy Grossman, Co-Host: Jordan Rich GUESTS: Jacob Sands, MD, Oncologist, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Andrea McKee, MD, Chair of Radiation Oncology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC) In previous Backstage @ Upstage podcasts, we’ve discussed the importance of low dose CT scans to detect lung cancer early. Both of today’s guests are dedicated to helping to make lung cancer screening available for all who are eligible. Dr. McKee initiated “Rescue Lung, Rescue Life,” a program to broaden access to lung cancer screening without cost to patients. She discusses what prompted her to start this program at her own center and her work to make this program available throughout the country. Dr. Sands discusses the low percentage of people nationally who take advantage of lung cancer screening—only about 3%! Here in Massachusetts, we are leading the pack, but the percentage of people getting scans is only 17%. We all agree these are failing grades. We need to do better. This podcast is an important conversation about what opportunities we can create to help save lives. Years ago, lung cancer was seen as a death sentence. Now, lung cancer screening can detect the disease early, when lives can be saved and extended. Don’t miss this fascinating exchange.