File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee

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SOUND OFF: Detecting lung cancer earlier

Jan 31, 2024 | 10:30 AM

NEARLY EVERYONE has been touched by cancer in some way. It’s a word that can bring fear, uncertainty, and sadness, but with interventions like early detection, there can be hope after a cancer diagnosis.

I have seen firsthand the devastating impacts of late detection of cancer and loss of loved ones, both in my personal and professional life. We all know someone who has been touched by cancer and some types of cancer like lung cancer can have poor prognosis if detected during the late stage.

Lung cancer can be especially difficult to treat without early detection. One of the issues that makes lung cancer so difficult to catch early, is that many people won’t show symptoms in time for an early detection.

That’s why in May 2022, our government announced a province-wide lung cancer screening program for people who are at a high risk for lung cancer, but don’t show symptoms. Investing $2.75 million through BC Cancer and in partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation, we opened 36 sites across B.C. to help detect more cases of lung cancer at an early stage – when treatment is most effective.

Now, we’re seeing this action pay off with over 5,000 lung screening tests completed in the first year of the program. The Lung Screening Program is helping people here in B.C. detect their lung cancer earlier so that their treatment can be more effective.

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This initiative is part of our 10-Year Cancer Care Action Plan, aimed at better detecting, treating, and preventing cancer in British Columbia. Another recent action that our government has taken to improve cancer care and save more lives is introducing cervix self-screening kits that can be completed at home and are highly effective at detecting HPV which causes cervical cancer.

Lung screening is especially vital for those at high risk who aren’t experiencing any symptoms. If you’re between 55 and 74, currently smoke or have smoked in the past, and have a smoking history of 20 years or more, the Lung Screening Program is here for you. Take the first step by calling 1-877-717-5864 to find out if screening is right for you.

This life-changing and life-saving investment is another example of our government’s ongoing work to strengthen our health care system by taking proactive measures for better outcomes.

If you know someone in your life who meets these criteria, encourage them to get screened, and together, we can make strides in the fight against lung cancer and help more people in B.C. get life-saving treatment earlier.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.