Lung Cancer Screening Now Available to Ages 55-74, within criteria

LOCAL NEWS - JULY 16, 2021: NORTH SHORE – A LUNG CANCER SCREENING PILOT PROJECT IS NOW TAKING PLACE ACROSS QUEBEC

CFBS was speaking today with Dr. Kim Boutet, a respirologist, about the lung cancer screening project now taking place across the province using low-dose computed tomography (CT scans), and this test is free to all participants of the project.

Launched by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) on May 31st of this year, studies have shown that the use of CT scans in screening can aid in reducing mortality. According to the Société canadienne du cancer, in 2017, 8,700 lung cancers were diagnosed in Quebec, and 6,700 deaths had occurred that were attributed to this form of cancer.

Who can participate?

To be eligible for the screening project, two important criteria must be met: you must be between the ages of 55 and 74 and have smoked for at least 20 years, consecutively or not, 20 cigarettes per day. The program is open to smokers or ex-smokers. You can be referred by your family doctor for the screening, or you may make a self-referral by calling 1-844-656-4312, or you may email depistagecancerpoumon@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

For more information, you can visit the government of Quebec website here.

Abbygail Wellman

CFBS Journalist