News

April 18, 2018

Morton Hospital Earns ACR Lung Screening Center Designation

Morton Hospital has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

 

The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

 

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography (CT) in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

 

“Morton Hospital’s lung screening program is vital to our community due to the high incidence rate of smoking and lung disease in greater Taunton,” said Deborah Bitsoli, Morton Hospital president. “The introduction of this new service line demonstrates one of the many ways our hospital has recently invested in improving the health of the community we serve. We’ve very proud of our team of providers and staff who have worked hard to implement this program and achieve this lung cancer screening center designation for our patients and community.”

 

Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

 

Learn more about Morton Hospital lung screening program.