UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has been recognized as a GO2 for Lung Cancer Center of Excellence, highlighting its strong commitment to high-quality, patient-centered lung cancer care for the region.

Each year, nearly 230,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and many learn of their diagnosis only after the disease has advanced. This late detection is a reason lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. But there is good news: Low-dose CT screening can find lung cancer early - when it is most treatable and even curable.

This national designation recognizes the cancer center for following evidence-based screening guidelines, providing coordinated follow-up care and supporting patients through every step of the screening and treatment process.

"We are proud to have UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center 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. "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."

Recognizing high standard of care

Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 for Lung Cancer is focused on increasing survival for those at risk, diagnosed or living with lung cancer.

"UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care," said cancer center Physician-in-Chief David Tom Cooke. "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."

According to GO2, institutions that earn the designation in lung cancer screening are committed to the principles of patient-centered communication and decision making. 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. They also coordinate patient follow-up, diagnostics and transition to treatment through a multidisciplinary clinical process.

"Through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Heather Leisy, working in population health and accountable care, and Dr. Jonathan Riess, lead of our Lung Cancer Integrated Service Line, and many others, we now screen over half of our eligible patients," Cooke said.

Cancer center earns additional recognition

Along with its newly awarded designation as a Center of Excellence in Lung Cancer Screening, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is also recognized by GO2 as a Center of Excellence in:

• Cancer Care, for demonstrating access to standard cancer services within medical, radiation and surgical oncology, and pathology.
• 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.
• Biomarker Testing and Precision Medicine, for ensuring access to guideline-directed molecular and immune biomarker testing, including next generation sequencing, to identify targeted and immunotherapy treatment decisions.

Who is eligible for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening?

Eligible participants:

• Are between the ages of 50 and 80.
• Smoked "20-pack years" and either still smoke or quit within the past 15 years. "20-pack years" equals smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years.

How to schedule

Patients interested in receiving a low-dose lung cancer screening should contact their doctor for a referral. To make an appointment at UC Davis Health, call 916-734-5959.