The Columbus Regional Health Lung Institute has been named a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) for its ongoing commitment to providing patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer screening.
An estimated 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, with most being found at an advanced stage of the disease. As a result, lung cancer has long been the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. By screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography, this disease can now be found early, when it is most treatable and even curable.
“We are proud to have Columbus Regional Health join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact,” said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer Joelle Fathi. “Across the U.S., the majority of people at risk for or living with lung cancer are served by a local community hospital near their home. Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics, and academic and VA medical centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home.”
GO2 Centers of Excellence designated in lung cancer screening are committed to the principles of patient-centered communication and decision making across the entire care pathway. They implement screening in accordance with current evidence and clinical guidelines developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and they coordinate patient follow-up, diagnostics, and transition to treatment through a multidisciplinary clinical process.
“The CRH Lung Institute is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care,” said Lung Institute Director Deepankar Sharma, MD. “Low-dose CT screening is currently the only proven method to detect lung cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage. We are thrilled to be part of this elite group, setting an example for responsible screening practices across the country.”
In addition to receiving this newly awarded designation as a Center of Excellence in Lung Cancer Screening, Columbus Regional Health has also been recognized by GO2 as a Center of Excellence in Incidental Pulmonary Nodules, for providing a structured program that captures incidentally found lung nodules from imaging, with a standardized process for patient follow-up and reporting across the health system.
About GO2 for Lung Cancer
Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 is dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk, diagnosed, and living with lung cancer. For more information, visit www.go2.org.
