Halifax Health expands lung cancer diagnostic and treatment services

The American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screening for current or past smokers, ages 50 to 80, with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.

By Observer Staff
| 2:00 p.m. November 19, 2023

Halifax Health offers a comprehensive lung screening program that includes risk assessment, counseling, and LDCT scans. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

Halifax Health has expanded its diagnostic and treatment services at the Charles L and Miki N Grant Cancer Center for Hope, in line with the new lung scan recommendations released by the American Cancer Society last week.

Nearly 5 million additional people are recommended to get screened for lung cancer under the updated guideline, which expanded its recommendations to include older adults who smoke or formerly smoked — no matter how long ago they quit smoking, according to a press release.

Previously, the American Cancer Society recommended annual lung cancer screening for adults ages 55 to 74 with at least a 30 pack-year smoking history who either currently smoke or quit smoking less than 15 years ago.

In its updated guideline, the American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screening for current or past smokers, ages 50 to 80, with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history. A pack-year is defined as smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.

"The American Cancer Society's updated lung scan recommendations are a game-changer in our fight against lung cancer," said Dr. Steve Miles, chief quality officer at Halifax Health. "Early detection can be a lifesaver, and we are dedicated to making this service easily accessible to our community."