The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) actively participated in the annual meeting of the American Cancer Society (ACS) National Lung Cancer Roundtable (NLCRT) on December 4–5. The primary aim of this collaborative gathering was to foster the growth of lung cancer survivors. Each year, the event unites a diverse membership from the NLCRT, comprising over 160 professional and national societies, including ACR, cancer centres, governmental bodies, research groups, advocacy and policy organizations, and corporate affiliates. This year’s theme centred on Pathways of Care, focusing on enhancing the patient experience and improving access to lung cancer care throughout the continuum.
Dr. Ella A. Kazerooni, a distinguished figure in Radiology and Internal Medicine, represented the field at the meeting. Dr. Kazerooni serves as the Associate Chief Clinical Officer for the Diagnostic and Clinical Information Oversight Team at the University of Michigan Medical Group (UMMG) and chairs the ACS NLCRT Steering Committee. ACR departments actively involved in this significant event encompassed Economics, Government Relations, Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Quality and Safety, and the Radiology Health Equity Coalition.
The program featured keynote presentations by Laurie Fenton Ambrose, CEO of Go2Foundation for Lung Cancer, and Dr. Eliseo Perez-Stable, Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Ms. Fenton Ambrose shared her invaluable insights derived from her involvement in lung cancer policy, while Dr. Perez-Stable addressed research and clinical science gaps pertinent to diverse populations. Additionally, the event highlighted the second annual National Lung Cancer Screening Day (National LCS Day), celebrated on November 11. Impressively, National LCS Day expanded its reach to facilities in 97% of states across the US, marking a substantial increase from 75% participation in the previous year. This expansion facilitated more patient screenings and heightened awareness of lung cancer screening in local communities.
ACR remains actively engaged with NLCRT, channelling efforts to develop fresh resources and advocate for the lung cancer community. The meeting reiterated the central focus on patients within these collective endeavours, emphasizing ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers hindering access to care and treatment options.
