UPMC Recognized for Excellence in Lung Cancer Screening in Lancaster County

UPMC Imaging Services at Lititz and Lancaster have been designated as Centers of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer for their commitment to providing the Lancaster community with patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer screenings .

GO2 Centers of Excellence (COEs) designated in lung cancer screening are committed to facilitating patient-centered communication and decision-making. COEs implement screening that is in accordance with current evidence and clinical guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Network (NCCN), while using a multidisciplinary approach to coordinate follow-up care, diagnostics and treatment.

For patients in the Lititz and Lancaster communities, this designation reinforces quality and accessibility. While the recognition highlights the imaging services in Lititz and Lancaster, UPMC has Lung Cancer Screening Centers of Excellence designation across the central Pennsylvania region ensuring that patients, no matter where they live, have access to high-quality screenings.

"Lung cancer is devastating, but early diagnosis can be the lifesaving difference," said Deborah Willwerth, MSN, RN, president and chief nursing officer, UPMC Lititz . "UPMC is committed to improving our community's health by making high-quality screening accessible across central Pennsylvania. This recognition is a testament to our staff's dedication to delivering expert care and our continued goal of growth and innovation in lung cancer care."

An estimated 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, with most of the diagnoses being discovered at the advanced stage of the disease. Lung cancer has been the long leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. By providing individuals at high risk with screening that uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), lung cancer can be found early when it is more treatable and potentially curable.

"We are proud to have UPMC Imaging Services in Lancaster and Lititz join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence," said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer, Joelle Fathi. "A majority of people in the US living with or at risk for lung cancer are served by local community hospitals. Through GO2 COE network, we are working to foster and support collaboration and the sharing of knowledge needed to bring national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home."

PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right, CT technologists Amelia Richardson, Logan Raiger, Ashley Wenrich, and Lori Derr celebrate UPMC Imaging Services at Lititz being designated as a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer.