Stamford Health Announces Advancements in Lung Cancer Program

STAMFORD, CT / November 17, 2020 – Stamford Health has announced several advancements to its lung cancer program along with renewed recognition from the American College of Radiology (ACR). Advancements include a new Lung Nodule Clinic and new technology to increase accuracy and success in lung cancer diagnosis. These announcements align with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place annually in November.

“Stamford Health is second to none in the detection, early diagnosis, and expert treatment of lung cancer.  What sets us apart is our multidisciplinary approach to care and our cutting-edge technology.  It is important to realize that lung cancer is treatable, and in many cases, curable,” said Dr. Michael Ebright, Director of Thoracic Surgery at Stamford Health.

First, Stamford Health has once again been designated as a Lung Cancer Screening Center by ACR. ACR 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 designation, facilities must undergo a rigorous assessment of their lung cancer screening protocols and infrastructure. Also required are consistent expert clinical care, as well as a smoking cessation program.

Second, this month marks the launch of Stamford Health’s new Lung Nodule Clinic, which is a comprehensive multidisciplinary program for the detection, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of lung nodules.  Stamford Health is launching this clinic because more lung nodules are being discovered in the context of lung cancer screening, as well as many other radiology exams patients undergo during routine clinical care.  This program includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists specializing in the management of lung nodules according to evidence-based guidelines.  The physicians at Stamford Health also utilize the latest technology and participate in many clinical trials.

Finally, Stamford Hospital is the first in Connecticut to offer Illumisite™ technology – a minimally invasive image guidance tool used for lung biopsies and surgical targeting. The Illumisite™ platform is a first of its kind technology that has several benefits, including more accurate and successful lung cancer diagnosis.  Illumisite™ facilitates more efficient diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, which allows doctors to initiate treatment faster.

“I am so proud of the entire team at Stamford Health for working hard to advance our lung cancer screening and diagnosis programs,” said Kathleen Silard, President & CEO of Stamford Health. “These advancements are a testament to our commitment to our patients, and the proven success of a full, integrated team approach to patient care,” added Silard.

Stamford Health offers lung screening services at Stamford Hospital on the Bennett Medical Center Campus, the Darien Imaging Center at 6 Thorndal Circle and at Stamford Health’s Tully Health Center at 32 Strawberry Hill Ct.  Visit this page to learn more about Stamford Health’s lung screening services and this page to learn about the Commit to Quit smoking cessation program.

About Stamford Health

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,800 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rated Stamford Hospital as a five-star hospital for Overall Quality and The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an “A” for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and has recently expanded its relationship with Columbia to offer treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart surgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Additionally, in 2020 Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center entered into an expanded collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.