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Lung cancer screening for those with a high risk of lung cancer is incredibly important. When compared to patients seeking care once they have symptoms, screening can help detect disease early, when it is in earlier stages and still curable through surgery.
Osler has one of the first and most well-established lung cancer screening programs in the country. We spoke with Humeera, Project Management and Quality Consultant, Diagnostics Imaging and Laboratory Medicine; and Ahiela, Project Coordinator, Diagnostics Imaging and Laboratory Medicine; both instrumental in recent initiatives to strengthen and streamline the screening program.
Can you tell us about your role?
Humeera: I’ve been with Osler since February 2021. I focus on project management and quality consulting for the Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Department. Currently I support the team with continuous monitoring, and developing improvement and training materials for the program within Diagnostic Imaging.
Ahiela: I am the Project Coordinator for Diagnostic Imaging and the Laboratory. I joined Osler in 2018 as a clerk and that's actually how I got involved with the High Risk Lung Cancer Screening Program. Currently I support with improvement initiatives and identifying any gaps within the program.
Can you tell us about the High Risk Lung Cancer Screening Program?
The program was started at Osler in 2012 and has grown rapidly since. It provides the opportunity for those at high risk of lung cancer to get screened earlier and have access to the appropriate follow-up. When Osler first started the program, we worked with Cancer Care Ontario to assist in creating a provincial program which is now utilized by four other hospitals in Ontario.
Individuals aged 55-77, with a 20-year smoking history, can be referred through their primary care physician. We currently have over 3,300 participants in the program.
What would you say is unique about the program?
The program is a one-stop shop. It’s not just testing or screening, we follow patients through their care journey and make sure they receive guidance during the process. If cancer is found, the patient is referred to our oncology team, then to our thoracic surgeons for further screening and testing.
It is an all-encompassing program designed to meet all patient needs without complications or road-blocks.
What is something about lung cancer screening people may not know?
People may not know how quick and convenient screening is. The CT scan is non-invasive (i.e., there’s no contrast dye that needs to be injected) and takes just 5-10 minutes, if not less. It is quick and easy, and can be done at two Osler sites (Peel Memorial and Etobicoke General).
What is smoking cessation support and why is it so important to consider for lung cancer patients?
Smoking cessation – quitting smoking – is an important part of our program. When we are looking at how to prevent lung cancer in high risk patients, decreasing that risk is key and an important focus for our respirologists. We developed structured support programs to assist patients who want to quit smoking, which will have a direct impact on their health and risk of lung cancer.
We’ve partnered with a community pharmacy to provide support for patients who want to quit smoking, as well as those who are going through treatment themselves.
What are you most proud of?
Ahiela: Seeing the growth of the program has been incredible. Witnessing the positive outcomes that patients see because of their involvement in the program is incredibly rewarding. It’s also really nice see to the commitment and support from physicians and hospital leadership. Really good things are being done here.
Humeera: I would say the same thing. We have a structure in place to allow us to continually monitor the program, which is really valuable in a large organization like ours. Understanding how the program is running and being maintained gives that peace of mind that the patients are getting the best possible care and treatment they can from us.
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