Search

Early detection can save more lives

Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers and the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.1

"Screen for Life. Breathe with Hope." is Canon’s global initiative that aims to promote awareness of lung cancer, improve access to and encourage lung cancer screening, which can aid in early detection, and ultimately contribute to the reduction of cancer mortality.2

⁠Stories of inspiration

How can we unlock the potential of early lung cancer detection? Through these personal stories, we shine a light on the powerful , life-saving impact of screening.

Meet Allen and his daughter April. When a mobile CT scan found Allen’s lung cancer early, it changed everything. Today, they’re sharing their story to help others understand the power of early detection, and the gift of more time together.

In 2024, we joined the Rewriting Cancer initiative to help advance awareness for early lung cancer detection. This video was produced for Canon Medical by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, featuring top radiologists in the field. Discover how CT technology is redefining early diagnosis.

Watch the full story
Image

⁠Current challenges

Lung cancer screening faces various challenges that hinder its widespread success.

As part of our Made for Life philosophy, Canon Medical is committed to providing support to address these challenges.

Challenge 1: Low participation rate


Many individuals at high risk for lung cancer are often unaware of the potential benefits of screening or may face barriers such as cost, accessibility, or fear of the screening process.

 

Challenge 2: Workload and workflow


Workflow issues, such as managing the influx of screening participants and ensuring timely communication of results, can be a significant burden. Moreover, the repetitive nature of interpreting numerous lung scans can be mentally draining and lead to a loss of enthusiasm.

Challenge 3: Maintain clinical confidence at low dose


Screening participants are typically exposed to repeated CT scans which raises concerns around radiation dose. Lung cancer screening when performed without efficient CT hardware and image reconstruction algorithms, may yield inconclusive or false positive results, leading to additional and costly follow-up procedures, while causing anxiety and stress for patients.

Challenge 4: Cost-effectiveness


Cost-effectiveness of the program requires a careful balance of the investments in equipment and staff, training, and the number of diagnostic and downstream follow-up procedures versus the benefits of improved health outcomes and less spending on costly therapies in the long-run.


 

Latest insights on addressing challenges

Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) saves lives, but more people need to get screened.

Get the big picture on challenges faced in screening and practical solutions in just one glance.

Expert Column

Expanding Lung Cancer Screening in Brazil

How can early lung cancer detection be achieved in underserved regions with limited resources? Learn how Brazil, through the ProPulmão initiative and the BRELT trials, is expanding access to early diagnosis with mobile CT and AI.

Read the full article

Download PDF
750 KB

The Football Field of Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening isn’t won by a single specialty — it’s a true team sport. Learn how radiology, oncology, primary care and other specialties can play together to move patients toward earlier detection and timely treatment. Based on insights from the ProPulmão Mobile CT project in Brazil.

Read the full article

Download PDF
692 KB

Through our "Screen for Life. Breathe with Hope." initiative, Canon Medical aims to change societal perceptions of lung cancer and encourage participation in early screening, which could ultimately contribute to the reduction of cancer mortality.2

 

Subscribe to get notified on our upcoming lung cancer screening webinar in September: Building a Strong LCS Program with AI-Driven Efficiency.

Subscribe now

General references

1. Globocan 2020.

2. Oudkerk M. et al | Lung cancer LDCT screening and mortality reduction - evidence, pitfalls and future perspectives | Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology (2021)