“Lung cancer screening, combined with stopping smoking, will reduce the number of Nova Scotians who die from the disease. This is why the Lung Screening Program includes tobacco cessation supports for people who are interested in quitting. Smoking is an addiction, a powerful addiction that almost always starts before the age of 18. We are here to help. Our job is to help Nova Scotians prevent lung cancer when we can or find it as early as possible when treatment works better.”

— Dr. Daria Manos, Medical Director, Nova Scotia Health Lung Screening Program

A new screening program will help save lives by preventing lung cancer and finding it earlier. 

The Lung Screening Program, which includes clinical assessment and computerized tomography (CT) scans, targets people at very high risk of developing lung cancer. The program also provides information about lung health and help to stop smoking.

“Cancer touches every Nova Scotian in one way or another, either directly or through friends, family or community members,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “Fixing healthcare includes improving cancer screening and care. The Lung Screening Program is the latest of many changes across our cancer care services that will help prevent or find cancers earlier, improve outcomes and save lives.”

Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 who have smoked daily for 20 years or more at any point in their lives can contact the program and have a nurse assess their personal risk of lung cancer. The assessment will determine if they would benefit from screening with a chest CT scan.

People who call the program will receive information about lung health and, if applicable, smoking cessation supports.

The Lung Screening Program is available now in the central health zone (Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants) by calling 1-833-505-LUNG (5864). It will be rolled out across the province over the next two years.

Read more in the News Release from the Province of Nova Scotia.

For more information on the Lung Screening Program, please visit the official website.

There have been several news articles about the launch, including:

CBC: Nova Scotia launches screening program for lung cancer

Global: Nova Scotia announces its first screening program for lung cancer

CTV: N.S. launches lung screening program