At the end of the lung cancer screening seminar

Abstract

In Japan, lung cancer screening was introduced nationwide in 1987. However, most municipalities and screening organizations initially did not know how to perform double interpretation of images and sputum cytology, so Lung Cancer Screening Seminars held during the annual meetings of The Japan Lung Cancer Society were helpful for educating the employees of these organizations on how to conduct lung cancer screening. Now, more than 30 years later, the initial role of this seminar to spread understanding on the standard method of lung cancer screening nationwide has nearly been achieved, and the need for such a seminar―at least in the same form―has diminished. While the nationwide uniformity of quality assurance is still inadequate, it cannot be improved further by more seminars. Doctors engaged in the diagnosis and/or treatment of lung cancer patients are motivated to improve their skills in interpreting chest radiographic images; however, few programs with such an aim are offered at these annual meetings. Furthermore, because most such doctors do not engage in lung cancer screening, despite actually treating the patients detected by screening, educational courses concerning the lung cancer screening system are of great interest and use. Thus, in 2017, we decided to end the Lung Cancer Screening Seminar at the annual meeting of The Japan Lung Cancer Society, and instead offer 1), 2) and 3) below at the annual meetings, and 4) for local workers engaged in lung cancer screening. 1) A lecture on Lung Cancer Screening: The System and Current Status for young doctors. 2) A several-hour-long seminar/workshop regarding the interpretation of chest radiographs. 3) If needed, the Committee for Lung Cancer Screening may request a special lecture/symposium to the President of the annual meeting. 4) To recommend some members of the Committee as lecturers of training meetings/workshops on screening skills and quality assurance in local areas.