2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.04A.04 Real-World Data of LDCT Lung Cancer Screening Implementation in a Public Healthcare System: Quebec Three 3-Year Experience

EP.04A.04 Real-World Data of LDCT Lung Cancer Screening Implementation in a Public Healthcare System: Quebec Three 3-Year Experience

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The study focuses on the implementation of a lung cancer screening program using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in Quebec's public health system over three years. Recognizing that while LDCT has been proven to reduce lung cancer mortality, there are challenges such as accessibility, false positives, incidental findings, and high costs. This places importance on gathering real-world data from public healthcare systems.<br /><br />The program, initiated in June 2021, targeted individuals aged 55-74 with a significant smoking history, using a centralized coordinating center and 10 LDCT sites across seven institutions. Approximately 3,200 participants were screened within the first year, revealing a cancer detection rate of 1.8% and high specificity in results. However, incidental findings were common, notably involving severe coronary calcifications in 40% of cases.<br /><br />After two years, 81 cancers were detected, the majority at an early stage. Treatment varied from surgery alone to combinations including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The second year of the program saw a substantial increase in referrals and eligible participants, demonstrating the program's expansion.<br /><br />Financially, the program aims to be sustainable within the public healthcare system, though costs and resource utilization remain key concerns. The study concludes that early performance targets were met, suggesting the feasibility of continuing the program, albeit with needed improvements in access to CT scans and resource management.<br /><br />The program credits numerous healthcare professionals, institutions, and funding bodies for their essential roles, acknowledging the Quebec Ministry of Health and Canadian Partnership Against Cancer as key supporters. These findings underline the potential for scaling lung cancer screening in public systems while highlighting areas for operational enhancement.

Asset Subtitle

Simon Martel

Meta Tag

Speaker Simon Martel

Topic Screening and Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

low-dose computed tomography

Quebec public health

real-world data

smoking history

incidental findings

cancer detection rate

resource management

healthcare sustainability

early stage cancer