The Free Access to Screening Program maintains updated ACS guidelines for the 20 million Americans who smoke or have smoked
ATLANTA and SAN FRANCISCO, November 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Colorful health today announced plans to provide convenient, free screening access program for almost 20 million Americans who are now eligible for lung cancer screenings according to updated ACS manual. The new program makes it easier for those who smoke or have smoked to determine eligibility and identify screening options—all with the support of Color’s care advocates and clinicians who will order and write referrals for low-risk CT scans. doses (ldCT) and will book appointments for eligible individuals with lung cancer screening providers.
Lung cancer is leading cause cancer mortality and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in United States. Research shows that annual screening with an ldCT scan reduces lung cancer deaths by up to 20%, but less than 6% of eligible Americans get tested. Low adherence can be attributed to difficulty navigating the healthcare system and stigma associated with lung cancer – especially among people who currently or have smoked. The Lung Screening Access Program helps overcome these barriers, helping to increase the number of eligible Americans who are screened.
Through this impact partnership, anyone, regardless of employer benefits or insurance provider, can receive the following for free:
- Access to a HIPAA Compliant Digital Lung Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
- Guidelines on whether or not to recommend lung cancer screening based on the updated ACS guideline
- Consultation with color care advocates and clinicians
- Scanner direction
- Scan booking support including navigation coverage and prior authorization
“With our updated guidance on lung cancer screening, the next step is to directly support people to access these potentially life-saving services,” said dr Karen Knudsen, CEO, American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Action Network. “We hope this program will fill the gaps in screening by making the basics of screening—eligibility guidelines; medical supervision/care; and support for finding and recording screenings covered by plans – available to all. This work is extremely focused on promoting action by giving patients direct access pathways that we know will overcome barriers.”
“While there is no cure, we know that early detection of lung cancer is the most important intervention,” said Othman Laraki, CEO of Color Health. “With a screening rate of 6% in the US, we know that providing patients with direct tools to access care is more important than ever. We are proud to support the mission of ACS by making an impact on lung cancer across the country.”
To estimate your risk of lung cancer and find out more about how to find cancer at an early stage, click here.
About color health
Color is an end-to-end healthcare delivery platform, providing the technology, infrastructure and logistics needed to scale large-scale healthcare initiatives across populations. Color works with employers, unions, government agencies, schools and communities to provide equitable and affordable health services. Color supports access for traditional and distributed workforces as well as underserved communities by removing barriers to care. Our model enables screening, counseling and life-saving treatments to be used by more people, wherever they are. Connecting with color on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and www.color.com.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we’ve been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization fighting cancer through advocacy, research and patient support. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Contact us at Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Tap Contacts
Colorful health
[email protected]
(917) 710-0091
Anneka Meyer
[email protected]
(917) 284-1034
American Cancer Society
Michelle Money-Carson
[email protected]
(813) 240-0954
SOURCE Color health